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COMMEMORATIVE DISCOUESE, 



DELIYERED AT 



BOSCAWEN, N. H 



ON OCCASIOISr OF THE 



FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY 



OF THE 



NEW-HAMPSHIRE GENERAL ASSOCIATION, 



AUGUST 25, 1859. 



- " 7 

BY NATHANIEL BOIJTOK", 

Pastor of the First Church in Concord. 



CONCOED: 

STEAM PEINTING WOEKS OF McFAELAND & JEISTKS. 

1859. 



'^■^ 



c^'t^^ 




COEEESPOIS^DENOE 

EELATIVE TO THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL MEETING OF THE 
GENEKAL ASSOCIATION IN BOSCAWEN. 



BoscAWEisr, August 23, 1858. 
To the General Association of Congregational and Presbyte7'ian Ministers 
of New-Hampshire, to convene at Hampton on the fourth Tuesday of 
August, instant. 

Dear Brethren: 

It is a matter of history that your Association held its first meeting in 
this town, forty-nine years ago. Your first semi-centennial gathering will 
be at your next Anniversary, How appropriate that it be held on the 
ground of your inception. Such is the voice of many, if not all of our 
brethren, the neighboring ministers and laymen. 

The people of our parish, worshiping in the Congregational Church, at 
a special meeting held during the intermission of divine service yesterday, 
Sabbath, 22d inst., moved by this and other important and obvious consid- 
erations, on motion of Jonathan Tenney, M. A., seconded by Dea. Thomas 
Gerrish, unanimously 

Voted, That we cordially invite the General Association of Congrega- 
tional and Presbyterian Ministers of this State to hold its first semi- 
centennial meeting in this place, in connection with its next Anniversary 
meeting. 

And we, the undersigned, were, appointed a committee to communicate 
this vote, and extend this invitation, in which we most heartily unite. 

Here repose the mortal/remains of that venerable father of your Associ- 
ation, in whose study your first meeting was held. Need we name the 
Rev. Dr. Samuel Wood, "who being dead, yet speaketh?" Here resides 
with us another of the fathers, the Eev. William Patrick, waiting for "the 
coming;" may he have strength "to continue," and to greet you. And 
yet another, that aged servant, the Eev. Ebenezer Price, is with us, 
tottering "on the verge;" and so is "Father Corser " here, still "in the 
harness." Will it not be "good to be here ? " " Come and do us good" 
also. May Divine Wisdom direct your counsels and bless your labors. 

Yery truly yours, 

THOMAS GEEEISH, 
JONATHAN TENNEY, 
DAVID AMBEOSE, 
SAMUEL M. DUEGIN, 
DAYID A. GEEEISH. 



IV CORKESPONDENCE. 

Hampton, August 2G, 1868. 
To the Cotnmiitee of the Congregational Church and Society at Boscawen. 

Brethren and Gentlemen : 

Your letter to the General Association of Congregational and Presbyte- 
rian Ministers of New-Hampsliire, inviting them to celebrate their semi- 
centennial Anniversary at Boscawen, has been received. I am directed by 
that body to inform you that your invitation is accepted by a unanimous 
vote. But a mere formal vote by no means expresses the strong and deep 
interest which your communication has created. 

In language graceful and happy, and in a spirit of kindness and delicacy, 
you remind us of our first meeting at your place, forty-nine years since, 
and of the fitness of returning to the people who first extended to us their 
christian hospitality. You mention the name of your former excellent 
and distinguished pastor, the sainted Wood. We would look upon his 
grave. We would again take by the hand the venerable Patrick, Price 
and Corser, and be infiuenced to greater devotedness of spirit and holiness 
of life. We would again meet with a church which has been as "a field 
which the Lord hath blessed," and review His goodness and mercy to its 
members and to ourselves, for half a century, and beseech His blessing, 
even His salvation, on them and the people connected with them, and on 
us, both in this life and the life which is endless. 
In behalf of the General Association of IsTew-Hampshire, 
With Christian regard, 

JOHN K. YOUNG, Secretary. 
Messrs. Thomas Gerrish, 
Jonathan Tenney, 
David Ambrose, 
Samuel M. Durgin, 
David A. Gerrish. 



After the invitation to meet at Boscawen was accepted by the General 
Association at Hampton, it was Voted, That Kev. Messrs. John K. Young, 
Ambrose Smith, N. Bouton, d. d., Lyman Whiting and Asa P. Tenney, 
be a Committee of Arrangements for the meeting, and be requested to pre- 
pare an order of exercises. 

Voted, That Eev. Dr. Bouton be requested to prepare a historical dis- 
course for the occasion. 



NOTICE. 

The author begs leave to say that several paragraphs will be found in 
the printed Discourse which were omitted in the delivery. He would, 
particularly, call the attention of his brethren to the facts stated relative 
to the publication of Keligious Tracts in 1812-14, pages 28, 29, which 
were left out by mere accident, but which ought to be known and acknowl- 
edged, to the honor of the Association. He has also endeavored to make 
up, in marginal notes, what might seem deficient in the body of the dis- 
course. 

The author takes great satisfaction in presenting, in the Appendix, a 
copy of a letter, with the Confession of Faith, of the late Hon. Dan- 
iel "Webster, Both the original letter and the confession, in the well 
known hand-writing of Mr. Webster, are now in my possession, and 
can be examined by persons who desire it. 

CoNconD, October 1, 1859. 



CORRESPONDENCE. V 

At the meeting of the General Association in Boscawen, Thursday, 
August 25, 1858— 

Voted, That the thanks of this body be given to Kev. Dr. Bouton for his 
able and instructive historical discourse ; and that a copy be requested for 
publication, and the manuscript solicited for preservation in the archives 
of the Association. 

Voted, That Kev. Benjamin P. Stone, d. d,, and Eev. Josiah G. Davis, be 
appointed a committee, with the author, to provide for its publication in 
such form as they shall deem expedient. 



Note. The author of the discourse begs leave to say that several para- 
graphs are printed which were omitted in the delivery of it. He would 
call the attention of his brethren, in particular, to the facts stated relative 
to the publication of Keligious Tracts in 1812-1814, which were left out by 
mere accident, but which ought to be known and acknowledged, to the 
honor of the Association. He has also endeavored to make up, in margin 
notes, what might seem deficient in the body of the discourse. He hopes 
the articles in the Appendix will be especially acceptable. 



DISCOURSE 



I KINGS 8 : 57. " The Lord our God be with us, as he was 

WITH OUR fathers : LET HIM NOT LEAYE US NOR FORSAKE US." 

EPHESIAISTS 4: 3. "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the 
Spirit in the bond of peace." 

EPHESIAISTS 2 : 20. " Built upon the foundation of the Apos- 
tles AND Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief 
Corner-Stone." 

"We deem it peculiarly suitable, fathers and breth- 
reiij in entering on the services of this occasion, that, 
first of all, we offer devout prayer, That the Lord our 
God will be with us, as he was with our fathers in the 
ministry, whose names, virtues, doctrines and worthy 
deeds we this day commemorate : next, that we 
endeavor, henceforth, even as in times past, " to keep 
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace f and, 
above all, in our work as ministers, that we build 
" upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, 
Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone." 

It is not, brethren, the affectation of an apology, 
when I profess that the execution of the work 
assigned me falls far below my own estimate of 
the importance of it, as an historical record. I have 
often wished that the service had been committed to 
abler hands 5 but I beg you to receive, with patience 
and candor, what has cost me no ordinary measure of 
labor and research. 



8 

The past fifty years, embracing the whole period of 
this General Association, form a most eventful era, 
not only in the history of the church, but also in 
that of civilization, of science and the arts throughout 
the world. Were it allowable, it would add to the 
interest of this Jubilee to trace the progress of the 
age, particularly as affected by the christian associa- 
tions and enterprises in which we have acted a humble 
part. But this we may not attempt ; our business 
to-day is to review and record the results of our 
experience as an Association of ministers ; to gather 
from our history lessons of practical wisdom, and 
incentives to fresh zeal, energy and devotion to our 
Master's work. 

It is matter of congratulation, that, in the good 
providence of God, we are permitted, on this fiftieth 
anniversary, to welcome to this platform, and to look 
once more on the venerable form and face of one — 
the only surviving one — of the founders of the Asso- 
ciation, the Rev. Ebenezer Price, installed pastor of 
the church in West Boscawen, September 26, 1804, 
thirty-three years in office, and now, at the age of 
four score and eight years, ^ quite on the verge of 
heaven.' ^ Of other ministers who were settled before 
the Association was organized, the following are the 
only ones who are known to survive : the Eev. 
Humphrey Moore, d. d., ordained in Milford, October 



1 After his resignation and dismission from his pastoral charge, in 1837, 
Eev. 3Ir. Price continued his residence in Boscawen, universally respected 
and beloved, till the death of his wife and of an unmarried daughter, who 
was the prop of his old age, made a change necessary. He now resides in 
Boston with his son, E. Sewall Price, Esq, Though his sight and hearing 
have much failed, his mental faculties are still good. His venerable 
presence at the meeting of the General Association added much to the 
interest of the occasion. 



13, 1802 ; pastor 35 years, and now aged 81 ; Kev. 
William Patrick,^ ordained in Canterbury, October 26, 
1803, in the pastoral office 40 years, now aged 86 ; 
Hev. Enos George, in Barnstead, June 13, 1804, aged 
79, and now the oldest pastor in the State ; Rev. 
Abraham Bodwell, in Sanbornton, November 13, 1806, 
42 years pastor, aged 82 ; and Rev. Roswell ShurtleiF, 
D. D., formerly Professor of Divinity in Dartmouth 
College, and also preacher and pastor of the church 
there, before 1809, now aged 86. Nor will I deny 
myself the pleasure of mentioning, nor my brethren 
of hearing, one other name, known and revered in all 
the churches, the Rev. Jonathan Ward, first settled in 
Alna, Me., 1796, but after 1818 preacher eighteen 
years to the church in Plymouth ; now in retirement 
at Brentwood, at the age of 90, he still holds the pen 
of a ready writer ; and, looking forth with hopeful 
aspect on the signs of the times, awaits, according 
to his interpretation of prophecy, the coming and 
kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.^ 

That we may definitely understand the origin of 
this Association, the basis on which it was founded. 



iThe venerable "Father Patrick" was also present at the meeting of 
the Association, and invoked the Divine blessing at the table when the 
ministers partook of a collation on Thursday. He retains his physical 
and mental powers in a good degree; residing with his son, Mr. John 
Patrick, in North Boscawen. 

2 Kev. Jonathan "Ward, born August 24, 1769, is a son of Kev. Nathan 
Ward, who was converted under the preaching of Whitefield, settled as 
the first minister of the church in Plymouth in 1765, and was eminent in 
his day for piety, zeal and earnest inculcation of the doctrines of grace. 
In these points the son resembles the father. "Father Ward," as he is 
commonly called, spends much of his time in writing letters to friends 
and communications for religious papers. He thinks the prophecies 
concerning the conversion of the Jews and the latter day glory of the 
church are near their fulfillment. His old age is serene and happy. He 
was 90 years old, August 24, the second day of the meeting of Association. 



10 

and the objects contemplated, let us briefly refer to 
the previous state of the ministry and churches of 
our connection in New-Hampshire. 

The only general body of ministers in the State, 
previous to 1809, was that formed at Exeter, July 28, 
1747, and called The General Convention of Ministers in 
the Province of Neiv-Hampshire ; the same that still 
exists under the name of the Pastoral Convention, 
which annually meets at Concord the first Wednesday 
in June. At the formation of the General Convention, 
the number of ministers present was seventeen; but 
the whole number in the Province was reckoned at 
thirty. Most of these were pastors of churches in the 
eastern section of the State, and in towns bordering 
on Massachusetts. 

At its organization the members of the Convention 
did not deem it " expedient, all things considered, to 
make any declaration with respect to their faith in 
points of doctrine," but agreed to oppose, in order 
to correct, "divers errors and practices which were 
contrary to the rules of peace and holiness." "As 
we are desirous," they say, " of strengthening each 
other's hands and promoting brotherly love, we agree 
to be as frequent as we can, conveniently, in visiting 
each other and meeting together for the said purposes. 
And we think it expedient that the ministers of the 
Province, of Congregational principles, who have been 
regularly ordained, meet all together once a year, and 
that they be formed into associations, to meet more 
frequently, as they shall agree, to unite their prayers 
and assist and encourage each other in the work of 
the gospel." ^ 

1 Kecords of Convention, now in the hands of the writer. 



11 

Although we may not dwell to-day on the character 
and proceedings of the Convention — the records of 
which furnish rich materials for a ministerial and 
ecclesiastical history — yet we may say that, from 
1747 to 1800, they performed a noble work, both for 
the churches and the State. During the long, dark 
and troublous period of the French and Indian wars 
and the Revolutionary contest, the Congregational 
ministers of New-Hampshire were always true to the 
principles of patriotism and liberty. Sharing with 
their people in the privations and sufferings incident 
to the times, they were steadfast in maintaining and 
advancing the institutions of learning and religion. 
In 1758 they petitioned Governor Benning Wentworth 
for a charter, '' for the erecting an academy or college" 
in the Province. In 1762 they heartily endorsed and 
promoted the plan of Rev. Eleazer Wheelock, then of 
Lebanon, Ct., for educating Indian and other youths, 
"for the spreading of the light and purity of the 
gospel." In 1772 and 1773 they took up collections 
at their annual meeting, to aid the sons of ministers 
of their body to gain a collegiate education.^ In 
1770, and repeatedly afterwards, they took measures 
to supply, what they called, " the back settlements of 
the Province, who were destitute of the privileges of 
the gospel ministry," with the means of grace. In 



lA collection at Exeter, 1772, amounting to tAvo pounds, thirteen 
sMUings and six pence, was "applied to the promoting the education" of 
Mr. Gamaliel Ewer, son of Eev. Nathaniel Ewer, of Newmarket. Mr. 
Ewer was graduated at Dartmouth College, 1777. In 1773, at JSTorth- 
Hampton, a collection was taken up, of two pounds, two shillings and two 
pence. Voted, "That it he given to Mr. Macclintoch, [of Greenland] to 
assist him in the education of his son at college ; " and it was accordingly- 
paid him in the presence of the Convention. 



12 



these beginnings we find the germs of our college^ 
our education and missionary societies.-^ 

At the commencement of the present century, 1800, 
the number of our ministers in the State was about 
90. How were they situated in reference to one 
another ? Instead of being located, as in 1747, mostly 
along the sea-board and southern section of the State, 
they were extended on the west along the line of the 
Connecticut river as far as Haverhill ; in the interior, 
up the valley of the Merrimack as far as Thornton ; 
and in the north-eastern direction as far as Tamworth 
and Conway. Thus widely dispersed, they had no 
opportunity for general intercourse, except as once a 
year they might travel on horse-back to Concord, or 
wherever the General Assembly held its session, to 
hear the Election sermon, and attend the meeting of 
the Convention, which, after 1786, was held wherever 
the legislative body convened. 

Though reputed "orthodox," and standing together 
on the acknowledged Platform and constitution of the 
churches, yet there was considerable diversity in their 
views, both of doctrines and measures. Many of the 
ministers who were settled in the Province previous 
to the Hevolutionary war were rather of Arminian 
tendencies, or, as they chose to be called, were " mod- 
erate Calvinists." But after the war, from 1784 to 
1800, new views began to prevail. The younger class 
of ministers, who had come into the churches under 
the revival spirit of that period, had read the works 
of Edwards and Bellamy; studied in the school of 



1 The New-Hampshire Missionary Society, formed in 1801, sprung di- 
rectly from these incipient beginnings. 



13 

Hopkins, or Backus, or Smalley, or Emmons ; and, 
fully imbued with the doctrines of grace, they entered 
on their work as having a divine commission to 
expound the doctrine of God's sovereignty and the 
election of grace; to urge the necessity of the "new 
birth " by the special influences of the Holy Spirit ; 
justification by faith alone, on the ground of atone- 
ment by the blood of Christ : at the same time, cast- 
ing the sinner helpless, on the sovereign mercy of 
God, and with metaphysical acumen drawing nice 
distinctions between natural and moral ability, they 
stopped the mouths of gainsayers while they pressed 
immediate repentance and uncompromising submission 
to God. This was indeed "new light" to the old 
pastors, who, in a ministry of from thirty to fifty 
years, had conserved the peace and order of the 
churches, admitted members on the half-way cove- 
nants, baptized all the children of the parish, preached 
on using the means of grace in order to be saved, and 
been content if their people went to meeting twice 
on the Sabbath and maintained "family orders" — 
reading the Scriptures and prayer. 

Another thing important to be understood : At the 
first meeting of the Convention, 1747, it was recom- 
mended " that the Ministers of the Province, of Con- 
gregational principles, regularly ordained, should be 
formed into Associations, to meet as frequently as 
they shall agree." At that time no such associations 
are known to have existed entirely within the Prov- 
ince. There was one called the "Eastern Association," 
in 1743,^ in the county of York, Maine, that probably 

1 Prince's Christian History, p. 175. 



14 

included some of the ministers in the adjacent portion 
of New-Hampshire ; and another in 174.4^ called the 
" Southern Association/' that comprised ministers in the 
border towns of Massachusetts and New-Hampshire/ 
But following the advice of the Convention^ as the 
number of ministers increased in different sections of 
the State, east, west, north and central, they for the 
most part organized associations on the principle of 
proximate conveniency, for the purpose of fraternal 
intercourse, mutual aid, counsel and improvement. 
These local associations were without a defined doc- 
trinal basis. 

The following are all the local associations known 
in the State before 1809 : 

1. The Piscataqua Association, whose present rec- 
ords bear date August 17, 1781, but which, it is 
understood, existed before that time. 

2. The Haverhill Association, which was formed 
August 17, 1779, comprised ministers in the border 
towns of Massachusetts and New-Hampshire. Those 
in the latter were designated as the " New-PIampshire 
Branch of the Haverhill Association." The latter was 
changed to the Derry Association, May 7, 1884. 

3. " The Northern Association on Merrimack River " 
was formed August 29, 1788, and extended from 
Goffstown, with Henniker and Hillsborough on the 
south, to Thornton on the north, a distance of about 
seventy miles. The name of this Association was 
changed to that of Hopkinton Association, October 



3 Kecords of Convention, 17C3, and "Account of Ministerial Associ- 
ations in Massachusetts," by Kev. A. H. Quint, published in the Congre- 
gationalist. 



15 

15, 1806. The ministers in the northern and southern 
extremes went into other associations. 

4. The Monadnock Association was formed at 
JafFrey, August 5, 1794. The first four names are 
Eev. Laban Ainsworth, of Jaffrej, the late venerable 
centenarian ; ^ Elisha Fish, of Gilsum ; ^ Reed Paige, 
of Hancock,^ and Hallo way Fish, of Marlborough.* 
At the second meeting of the Association, Rev. Gad 
Newell, of Nelson,^ joined, who recently deceased at 
the age of 95. In 1809 this Association included 
pastors in the western part of Hillsborough and most 
of Cheshire county. 

5. The Orange Association bears date October 7, 
1801. Its constitution admitted Congregational and 
Presbyterian ministers, and laymen of distinguished 
talents and piety, to become members. Embracing 
ministers on both sides of the Connecticut river, it 
extended from Clare mont and Newport on the south, 
to Peacham, Vt., on the north, where the Rev. Leon- 



1 Kev. Laban Ainsworth was born in Woodstock, Ct., July 19, 1757 ; 
graduated at Dartmouth College, 1778 ; ordained in Jaifrey, December 10, 
1782. He died March 17, 1858, aged one hundred years, seven months 
and twenty-eight days. He was sole pastor forty-nine years, but with the 
aid of colleagues, fulfilled a pastorate of seventy-six years. On his hun- 
dredth birth day he attended public worship in the church. 

2 Eev. Elisha Eish, graduated at Harvard in 1779 ; was settled at Gilsum 
May 29, 1794 ; thirteen years pastor ; died March 28, 1807, aged 51. 

3 Kev. Eeed Paige, of Hancock, graduated at Dartmouth in 1786 ; settled 
Sept. 21, 1791 ; a highly esteemed and useful pastor, twenty-five years ; 
died July 22, 1816, aged 52. 

4 Kev. Halloway Fish, a native of Upton, Mass., graduated at Dart- 
mouth in 1790 ; settled at Marlborough, Sept. 5, 1793, a sound Calvinist ; 
was pastor thirty-one years ; died Sept. 1, 1824, aged 65. 

5 Kev- Gad Newell, born in Southington, Ct., Sept. 10, 1763 ; grad- 
ated at Yale College, 1786 ; studied theology with Dr. Smalley, of Berlin; 
settled at Nelson, June 11, 1794 ; resigned in 1841, and died a good man 
and faithful servant of Christ, Feb. 26, 1859, aged 95 years. Kev. Dr. 
Barstow, of Keene, preached his funeral sermon. 



16 

ard Worcester was settled. Eev. Prof. ShiirtlefF, who 
joined in 1801, says the Association was formed by 
Dr. Asa Burton, of Thetford, Eev. Isaiah Potter, of 
Lebanon, and Hon. Nathaniel Mies, of Fairlee, Yt. Its 
constitution declares. Art. 8 : " Every member shall 
consider himself holden to answer to any charge or 
charges brought against him before the Body for heret- 
ical sentiments and unchristian conduct." 

6. The Plymouth Association was formed about the 
time of the division of the Northern Association, in 
1806. The original records cannot now be found. 

7. The Hollis Association took its present name 
July 27, 1808. But an association called the Amherst 
Association, including the pastors of the churches in 
Amherst, Hollis, Pepperell, New-Ipswich, Dunstable, 
Mass., and Townsend, was formed as early as 1761, 
the ministers agreeing " to meet alternately at each 
others' houses about once a month, except in the win- 
ter season." 

8. The Deerfield Association no doubt existed 
earlier than the date of its present records, 1809. 
The name was changed in 1856 to that of Suncook 
Association. -^ 

At the meeting of the Convention, in Hopkinton, 
June 3, 1807, " a committee was appointed to corres- 
pond with the several Associations of the State, respect- 
ing an union of the churches on the plan of doctrine 
generally expressed in the Assembly's Catechism, and 
report to the Convention next year." This commit- 
tee consisted of Eev. Messrs. Asa McFarland, of Con- 
cord ; Jesse Appleton, of Hampton ; Isaiah Potter, 

1 See Appendix to p. 16. 



17 

of Lebanon ; Moses Bradford, of Francestown, and 
William Morrison, of the Presbyterian church, Lon- 
donderry. These were among the ablest men then in 
the State ; all of one mind in doctrine, and of one 
spirit. The next year, 1808, the Convention met in 
Concord; Rev. Mr. Appleton, in the mean time, had 
been called to the presidency of Bowdoin College, 
and the committee before appointed could make only 
a partial report ; whereupon another committee was 
chosen " to form a plan to lay before the Associations, 
and report the same to-morrow morning." Rev. Isaiah 
Potter of Lebanon, Jesse Remington of Candia, Wil- 
liam F. Rowland of Exeter, Timothy Clarke of Green- 
field, John Smith of Salem, Ebenezer Price of West 
Boscawen, Drury Fairbank of Plymouth, Ebenezer 
Hill of Mason, and Isaac Smith of Gilmanton, repre- 
senting all the Associations in the State, were appointed 
said committee. Next morning this committee re- 
ported, " That for the purpose of drawing the bond of 
union more closely, and promoting general harmony 
and fellowship among the christian churches in the 
several Associations throughout the State of New- 
Hampshire, the Shorter Catechism he adopted generally as 
our creed^ as embracing the system of doctrines con- 
tained in Divine Revelation ; that this proposal be 
laid, by such agents as the Convention shall see fit to 
appoint, before the several Associations throughout the 
State ; that those associations and individual churches, 
which see fit to adopt it, form themselves into one 
General Association ; and that they appoint and send 
a delegate from their respective bodies to meet in 
General Association at the time and place of the next 
General Convention; then, in General Association adopt 



18 

such measures as they shall deem expedient for carry- 
ing into effect the above mentioned purposes." This 
report was signed by Isaac Smith, moderator, and 
Ebenezer Price, scribe of the committee. The agents 
appointed, pursuant to the report, were Rev. Abijah 
Wines of Newport, Elihu Thayer, d. d., of Kingston, 
Samuel Wood of Boscawen, Noah Worcester^ of 
Thornton, John Bruce of Mont-Vernon, Samuel Hid- 
den of Tamworth, and Timothy Clarke of Greenfield. 
In pursuance of these measures, delegates were 
appointed by the Orange, Deerfield, Hopkinton and 
Plymouth Associations, a part only of whom met next 
year, June 8, 1809, in the study of the Be v. Dr. 
McFarland, and organized the General Association of 
New-Hampshire. By a singular oversight, the names 
of these delegates are not recorded ; ^ but Rev. Wil- 
liam Morrison, of the Presbyterian church in Lon- 
donderry, was chosen moderator ; and Rev. John H. 
Church, scribe. 



1 It is generally known tliat Mr. Worcester, about this time, embraced 
peculiar views respecting the person of Christ, and wrote a book called 
"Bible News," which he soon after published. A talented and able min- 
ister, he was much respected by his brethren. He was settled in Thornton, 
Oct. 18, 1787, and was pastor until 1809. He left without dismission by a 
council. The relation, however, was formally dissolved by the Plymouth 
Association, in 1817. He died at Brighton, Mass., Nov. 8, 1837, aged 79. 
Mr. W^orcester's brother Thomas, of Salisbury, w\as led to embrace the 
same views of the sonship of Christ. 

2 From the records of the Convention and the MS. minutes of the meet- 
ing to organize the General Association, we gather the names of the fol- 
lowing who were present: viz., Eev. William Morrison, John H. Church, 
William F. Eowland, Asa McFarland, Ebenezer Hill. Timothy Clarke, 
and probably some others. At this meeting Eev. Messrs. McFarland and 
Eowland were appointed delegates "to propose and establish on our part 
such a union with the General Association of Massachusetts Proper as may 
be judged most expedient, and for the advancement of evangelical truth." 
Said Association was to meet at Newbury port on the last Wednesday of 
June. John H. Church was appointed preacher at the next meeting of 
the Association, which was to be at Boscawen, the third Tuesday in Sep- 
tember, at ten o'clock A, M. 



19 

Let us now change the scene. 

About two and a half miles westerly of the spot 
where we are now convened, stands a humble dwell- 
ing, overshaded by a thick foliage of trees, and par- 
tially secluded from the view of the passing traveler. 
It was for many years the hospitable mansion of the 
former pastor of this flock — the Rev. Samuel Wood, 
D. D. Fifty years ago, at about this hour of the morn- 
ing, there might be seen in that house, in the south- 
east room, which was the study of the pastor, a little 
company of reverend men — some in the maturity, and 
others in the prime of manhood — but all serious, earn- 
est, devout — animated by one spirit, and ardent in the 
pursuit of one object. 

In the chair, as moderator, sat the venerable Elihu 
Thayer, d. d., pastor of the church in Kingston, emi- 
nent for learning and piety, sound in doctrine, accord- 
ing to the standards of the Puritan fathers and the 
word of God, and held in high repute by all his breth- 
ren. At the table, with pen in hand, sat the Rev. John 
H. Church, pastor of the church in Pelham, then in 
the vigor of life, of spare but manly form, of serious 
and holy aspect, his countenance beaming with grace 
and wisdom.^ He is commencing a book of records 
from which, for more than thirty consecutive years, 
his name is never to disappear, but which, unthought 
of by him, is to transmit his name to future genera- 
tions, and render it, so far as known, the symbol and 
synonj^m of godly sincerity, Puritan simplicity, evan- 

1 In the face of Dr. Churcli was seen, 

" How aioful goodness is, 
And yet how lovely !" 



20 

gelical zeal and devotion^ and apostolical gravity and 
authority. Sitting in thoughtful silence, is the Rev. 
Jesse Remington, of the church in Candia, colleague 
delegate with Dr. Thayer, from the Deerfield Associa- 
tion — sound in the orthodox faith, and respected as a 
father in the ministry ; ^ Rev. Samuel Wood and Rev. 
Thomas Worcester, of Salisbury, delegates from Hop- 
kin ton Association; Rev. John Kelley, of Hampstead, 
delegate with the scribe from Haverhill North Associ- 
ation ; Rev. Moses Bradford, ^ the zealous and suc- 
cessful pastor of the church in Francestown, strong in 
Calvinistic divinity, delegate from the Monadnock 
Association ; Rev. William Rolfe, ^ pastor of the 
church in Groton, delegate from Plymouth Associa- 
tion ; and Rev. William F. Rowland, ^ of the first 
church in Exeter, a gentleman of courteous manners, 
dignified presence, and eminent for his ready gifts and 
his ability in prayer. They were nine in number ; and 
this was the first meeting, after its organization, of the 
General Association of New-Hampshire ! The record 
adds, " As no delegation appeared from the Orange 



1 Eev. Jesse Eemington, born in Abington, Mass., graduated at Dart- 
mouth College in 1784 ; ordained in Candia, Oct. 20, 1790 ; was a discreet 
pastor and a sound preacher of the doctrines of grace. He died March 3, 
1815, aged 55 years. 

2 Kev. Moses Bradford was born in Canterbury, Ct., in 1765; graduated 
at Dartmouth College in 1785; settled in Francestown, Sept. 8, 1790; and, 
after an eminently successful ministry of thirty-seven years, was dismissed. 
He died in Sunderland, Mass., Jan. 14, 1838, aged 73. 

3 Eev. William Eolfe, a native of Plaistow, N. H., graduated at Dart- 
mouth College in 1799 ; was settled over the church in Groton, as colleague 
with Eev. Thomas Page, Nov. 9, 1803, and remained till his death, June, 
1828, aged 55. 

4 Eev. Mr. Eowland was a native of Plainfield, Ct., a graduate of Dart- 
mouth College in 1784 ; ordained over the first church in Exeter, June 2, 
1790; fulfilled a useful pastorate of thirty-eight years ; dismissed Dec. 5, 
1828, and died at Exeter, June 10, 1843, aged 82. 



21 

Association, Rev. Abijah Wines, ^ of Newport, was re- 
quested to sit and act as their representative." 

Thus it appears that of the eight associations in the 
State, six were represented in this meeting. Hollis 
Association joined the next year ; but the Piscataqua 
Association did not come in till 1817. The reasons 
for this delay are not clear. Two have been assigned : 
first, that as the association included members in 
Maine, it was inexpedient for the body, as such, to 
unite ; and, second, that one or more individuals in 
that association, were unwilling to adopt the Assem- 
bly's catechism as expressing their faith in points of 
doctrine. ^ In the mean time, to obviate or overcome 
in part, these objections, an association was organ- 
ized, called the Exeter Association, including five or six 
pastors in that immediate vicinity — which was repre- 



1 Kev. Abijah Wines was born on Long Island ; graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1794 ; settled in Newport, Jan. 5, 1796 ; was distinguished as a 
clear thinker and writer. He was dismissed Dec. 4, 1816 ; was soon after 
chosen Professor in the Theological Seminary, at Hampden, now at Ban- 
gor, Me., where he remained two years. He died at the Asylum, in Som- 
erville, Ms., in 1833, aged 69. 

2 It is well known that the Eev. I^Tathan Parker, d. d., of the South 
Church, in Portsmouth, settled in 1808, though an active member of the 
Piscataqua Association, never embraced the doctrinal views set forth in 
the Catechism, nor was he ever a delegate to the General Association. The 
venerable Pvev. Ephraini Abbot, then of Greenland, now in the eightieth 
year of his age, resident in Westford, Mass., says, in a letter dated April 
23, 1859, '' The Exeter Association was probably formed to enable its mem.- 
bers to become connected with the iN". H. General Association. After con- 
siderable discussion, the Piscataqua Association made arrangements by 
which the New-Hampshire members of it could join the General Associa- 
tion. The Exeter Association, having, as I suppose, then no object for 
continuing a distinct organization, was dissolved." 

The Exeter Association appears in the record, the last time, in 1818. 
The Piscataqua Association, at a meeting in Dover, Aug. 19, 1817, passed 
a vote approving the o6J€-c2L9 of the General Association, and then appointed 
its delegates. [See records of Piscataqua Association, and letter to General 
Association, 1817.] Eev. Jonathan Erench, of North-Hampton, and Jacob 
Abbot, of Hampton-Falls, were the first delegates from Piscataqua Asso- 
ciation to the General Association, 



22 

sen ted in the General Association, at Exeter, in 1810^ 
and so from year to year, until the Piscataqua Associ- 
ation joined, after which the Exeter Association 
disappears from the record. The associations which 
have since joined, and those which now belong to the 
general body, came in as they were formed, upon ap- 
plication and by vote of the General Association? 
The most important business at this meeting was to 
fix the basis or fundamental principles, and to adopt 
regulations for the government of the Association. 

The Fundamental Principles adopted are as follow^s : 

1. "It is ever to be understood that the system 
of Scripture doctrines, contained in the Assembly's 
Shorter Catechism, is the basis of our union in this 
General Association. Hence, every association in this 
State, receiving these doctrines as the christian faith, 
is invited to unite in this body. 

2. This General Association wholly disclaims eccle- 
siastical power or authority over the churches or the 
opinions of individuals. 

3. The essential objects of this General Association 
are the following : " To promote brotherly intercourse 
and harmony, and our mutual animation, assistance 
and usefulness as ministers of Christ; to obtain reli- 
gious information relative to the state of our particu- 
lar churches, and the general state of the christian 
church in this country and through the christian 
world ; and to co-operate with other similar institu- 
tions in the most eligible measures for building up the 
cause of truth and holiness."^ 

1 See Appendix for p. 16. 

2 These objects are the same as those of the Massachusetts General Asso- 
ciation, formed in 1803. 



23 

Rules and regulations were also adopted for con- 
ducting the business of the Association, which remain 
essentially the same to this day. 

Let us now follow the Association, on adjournment 
for worship, to the ancient meeting-house which stood 
where this house now stands. Dr. Church is to preach 
the sermon. The first prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. 
Thayer, which is remembered by Rev. Mr. Price for 
its remarkable appropriateness, fervency and effect. 
At the close of worship, an aged man, who had been 
accustomed to the forms of the Episcopal service, met 
Mr. Price in the broad aisle and asked, with deep emo- 
tion, " Who was the man that made that prayer ? " 
Being told that it was Rev. Dr. Thayer, of Kingston, 
he said, " Oh, I never heard such a prayer in my life ! 
When he began to pray he went right up to heaven, 
and didn't come back till he finished with. Amen ! " 
Who can doubt that in answer to such prayers the 
meetings of this Association have ever since been 
crowned with heaven's blessing ! 

Resuming business in the study of Dr. Wood, offi- 
cial papers were received, signed by the Rev. Leonard 
Woods, scribe, establishing a correspondence with the 
General Association of Massachusetts ; and the Rev. 
Jonathan Allen was received as the first delegate from 
that body. Commissioners were chosen to v/ait on 
the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, 
the General Association of Connecticut, and the Gen- 
eral Convention of Vermont, to propose a correspond- 
ence, which was established the next year. It was 
also voted, " That it will be gratifying to this body for 
the Londonderry/ Fresbytery to unite with us, by sending 
two delegates to enjoy the same rights with our own 



24 

members, of sitting, debating and voting. ^ Oral narra- 
tives of the state of religion were given ; E.ev. Dr. 
Thayer, Wines, and Samuel Wood, were chosen to cer- 
tify the regular standing of ministers and candidates 
who wish to journey ; and on Thursday morning, " after 
singing a psalm, the business of the meeting was 
closed with prayer by Rev. Thomas Worcester." 

Let us here observe that the adoption of the Assem- 
bly's Catechism as the doctrinal basis, operated on the 
principle of elective afhnity. At once it drew^ the 
line between the Arminians of the old school and the 
Calvinists of "new light" divinity. Consequently, 
acting according to their views, such ministers only 
would join as could adopt the basis. Hence, in fact, 
this General Association was, at the beginning, has 
continued to be, and to day is, professedly, a unit in 
the doctrinal creed and belief of its members. 

At this point, also, w^e may note that the General 
Association has hitherto steadily resisted all attempts 
to change the principles or objects of its organization, 
and to enter into any ministerial or ecclesiastical rela- 
tions on other grounds. In 1815, a Plan of Consocia- 
tion was proposed by the General Association of Mas- 
sachusetts, which met wath no favor from the churches. 
In 1818 a project was formed to combine all the Gen- 



1 In the terms of correspondence with foreign bodies, two dek^gates 
were, at first, authorized to be sent and to be received, and to have "the 
same rights of sitting, debating and voting with the other members respect- 
ively." In 1827, on'' a memorial from the General Assembly of the Pres- 
byterian Church, the terms were altered with respect to tbat body, so that 
""delegates shall have the privilege of only sitting and deliberating with 
them." [See Minutes of General Association, 1827.] 

It is not known that the Londonderry Presbytery, as such, ever sent 
delegates. But pastors of Presbyterian churches, as members of District 
Associations have ever been connected with this body. IS'or has any dis- 
tinction whatever, between Congregationalists and Presbyterians, been 
made in the General Association. 



25 

eral Associations in New-England into one body, by 
means of a " Committee of Union." This project was 
so far entertained, that Rev. Messrs. Church, McFar- 
land and Rowland were appointed a committee to 
meet at Northampton, Mass., on the 3d of October, 
1818, to confer with other committees on the subject; 
but next year the secretary of our Association was 
instructed to wTite to Rev. Dr. FHnt, of Hartford, 
informing him that this General Association has not 
accepted the report of the joint committee at North- 
ampton. ^ In 1826, the General Association of Con- 
necticut made a communication relative to a summary 
of faith to be adopted by the New-England Churches, 
to which our body responded : " That they are not in 
favor of making any innovation upon the Summary 
contained in what is termed the Westminster Confes- 
sion or Shorter Catechism." ^ 

Four several attempts have likewise been made to 
modify or change the Association, so that it might 
partake more of the character of a General Confer- 
ence, like that of Maine ; the first, in 1832, was re- 
ferred to a committee consisting of Rev. Jacob Scales, 
A. Burnham and Jacob Cummings, who next year 
reported " adverse to any alteration." The second, in 
1847, on a memorial from the Piscataqua Association, 
which was referred to Rev. Messrs. Cook, A. Burn- 
ham and J. K. Young, who reported that they " are 
unanimous in the opinion that it is not expedient to 
alter the present organization ;" which report was 
adopted. The third, in 1850, another memorial from 

1 See Minutes of Cteneral Association, 1815, 1818, 1819. 

2 See Minutes of General Association, 1826, 1827. 



26 

the same Association, was referred to a committee of 
frve, of which Rev. Roswell D. Hitchcock, of Exeter, 
was chairman.^ This committee was instructed to 
prepare a plan of organization for a General Confer- 
ence, to be laid before the District Associations, and the 
result to be reported next year. At the meeting in 
1851, it was voted. That the subject of changing the 
General Association into a General Conference be 
indefinitely postponed. In 1855, a resolution from 
the Rockingham County Conference of Churches, in 
favor of lay representation in the General Associa- 
tion, was also indefinitely postponed. ^ 

The General Association thus fully organized, its 
doctrinal basis fixed and its objects defined, we are 
now prepared to show, historically, what it has been 
the means of accomplishing, or how far it has answer- 
ed the purposes of its organization. 

The meeting next year, 1810, was at Exeter, in 
which only four associations were represented ; but it 
was enlivened by the presence of distinguished dele- 
gates from foreign bodies : Rev. James Richards, d. d., 
and Rev. John McDowell, d. d., from the General 
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church ; Rev. Dr. Sam- 
uel Spring and Joseph Goffe from Massachusetts, and 
Thomas A. Merrill, from Vermont. Five sermons were 

1 Eev. Messrs. K. D. Hitchcock, N. Bouton, J. E. Tarwell, Thomas 
Savage and E. G. Eldridge, were the committee. 

2 I must now add as a Postscript, or leave it to the historian of the next 
fi% years, that upon the report of a committee, consisting of Kev. Isaac 
Willey, J. Gr. Davis and Wm. R. Jewett, appointed at Hampton, 1858, on 
the question to be referred to the churches, " Do you desire a General Con- 
ference or the introduction of a lay delegation into the General Associa- 
tion?" a vote was passed at Boscawen, this year, in favor of a change, 
and a committee appointed to carry it into effect the ensuing year. 

See Minutes of Association for the above years, 1832, 1847, 1850, 1855, 
1858 and 1859. 



27 

preached in public ; and, says the record, " the busi- 
ness of the Association, with free discussions of vari- 
ous topics, was conducted with harmony and brotherly 
affection in Mr. Rowland's parlor." 

The meeting in Dunbarton, 1811, formed a remark- 
able era, of the planting of seeds and springing up 
of germs that have since grown to a prolific maturity. 
I have heard the late venerable pastor, Dr. Harris, 
speak of the powerful impressions made by the preach- 
ing of six sermons on the occasion, mostly on funda- 
mental points of doctrine.^ Here the annual meeting 
of the New-Hampshire Missionary Society was first 
held, by appointment, in connection with this body. 
Here was conceived the New-Hampshire Bible Society, 
which — fully organized in Concord, the June follow- 
ing — held its first annual meeting with the General 
Association, at HoUis, in 1812. Here measures were 
taken to promote the sanctification of the Sabbath — a 
subject which, from time to tune, has engaged a large 
share of attention. Here also incipient measures were 
taken to establish an institution for educating pious 
young men for the ministry ^ — measures which, in 



1 1. The Associational Sermon, by Rev. Pearson Thurston, moderator, 
from Dent. 29 : 29. 2. By Eev. Frederick W. Hotchkiss, delegate from the 
General Association of Connecticut, from James 2: 10, 11. 3. The Mis- 
sionary Sermon, by Eev. Wm. F. Rowland, Ps. 87: 3. 4. By Eev. Sam- 
uel Fisher, delegate from General xissembly of the Presbyterian Church, 
Matt. 11 : 25, 26. 5. By Rev. Thomas Picton, delegate also from General 
Assembly, 2 Cor. 5: 10. 6. By Eev. William Lyman, d. d., delegate 
from Connecticut, Isa. 41 : 21. 

2 In 1811, a letter, now on file in the archives of the Association, was 
read from Rev. David Sutherland, of Bath, communicating a plan for a new 
institution for educating pious young men for the ministry ; which was 
" referred to Messrs. Allen, Eowland and Lyman, to report thereon." The 
committee reported that a convention was to meet at the house of Elisha 
Burton, Esq., in Norwich, Yt., in the ensuing October, on the same sub- 
ject, and therefore recommended that a committee be appointed by this 



28 



concert with a movement in Vermont, led to the estab- 
lishment, in 1813, of Kimball Union Academy, at 
Meriden, which was warmly recommended and patron- 
ized by the Association. Not only did the ministers 
use their direct agency and influence to sustain this 
Institution, but appointed distinguished laymen, mem- 
bers of churches, in different parts of the State, to 
solicit and collect funds for the same object. Among 
such were the following, in 1814 : Hon. Timothy Farrar, 
New-Ipswich ; Hon. Benjamin West, Charlestown ; 
Hon. Daniel Webster and Dea. Amos Tappan, Ports- 
mouth ; Hon. Thomas W. Thompson, Concord ; Hon. 
Moore Russell, Plymouth ; Joseph Towne, Esq., Hop- 
kinton ; George Woodward, Esq., Haverhill ; Dr. Dan- 
iel Adams, Mont-Vernon ; Daniel Chase, Esq., Cornish ; 
Dea. James Pinkerton, Londonderry ; Hon. Moses P. 
Payson, Bath ; Dea. David McQuesten, Bedford, and 
others, — names known and respected throughout the 
State.^ 

At Dunbarton, also, a plan was adopted and a com- 
mittee appointed to procure and publish religious 
tracts, for charitable distribution, ^ the expense to be 

Association to meet with said convention. Eev. Messrs. John Smith, 
Walter Harris, Wm. F. Kowland, Ethan Smith and Josiah Carpenter 
were accordingly appointed. On a donation of $6000 hy Hon. Daniel 
Kimball, of Meriden, the new institution was located there; and it being 
the result of a joint movement in New-Hampshire and Yermont, was 
called the " Kimball Union Academy." See Minutes of Association, 
1813 and 1814. 

1 See Appendix for p. 28. 

2 The Association, September 17, 1811, " Voted, That Messrs. John 
Kelley, Keuben Emerson (delegate from Massachusetts) and Moses Brad- 
ford be a committee to consider if any measures can be taken to procure, 
publish and distribute religious tracts." Next day said committee made a 
report which was read, amended and adopted as follows : 

" Whereas, it is of vast importance to diffuse religious knowledge by 
every practicable method; therefore, Voted, 1. That all the ministers, in 
connection with this General Association, be requested to solicit, for the 



29 

defrayed by donations or collections in the several 
congregations. Of this committee, Dr. Church was 
chairman. In pursuance of the plan, in 1812, an edi- 
tion was published of 4000 copies of a Child's Memo- 
rial, or happy death of Dinah Doudney ; in 1813, 
4000 copies of Prof Porter's sermon on the fatal effects 
of ardent spirits ; 4000 copies of an original tract on 
the "great criminality of Sabbath breaking;" 1000 
copies of Mr. Wilbur's Biblical catechism, were pur- 
chased; and, in 1814, 3000 copies of Mr. Haynes' 
sermon on Universalism, and 6000 copies of an "Ad- 
venture in Vermont," were printed. Hence, in the 
plan for distributing religious tracts, we claim to be 
at least two and a half years in advance of the orig- 
inal " New-England Tract Society," which was formed 
in Boston, May, 1814, and on account of which, the 
publication of tracts by this Association was, at that 
time, suspended. ^ We are not sure that we may not 
justly claim the honor of originating that noble institu- 



purpose of procuring religious tracts for charitable distribution, pecuniary 
aid, by contribution or otherwise, in their societies. 2. That this Associa- 
tion annually appoint a committee to receive the money which shall be 
collected, and procure by purchase or publication, a number of tracts 
corresponding with the avowed religious sentiments of this Association. 
3. That one half of the amount in tracts be equally divided among the 
ministers, in the connection, to be disposed of at their discretion. 4. That 
the other half be at the disposal of the committee ; and that they annually 
make a report of their proceedings to this Association. 

The committee chosen for the aforesaid purpose are the Kev. Messrs. 
John H. Church, Pearson Thurston, Abijah Wines, Asa McFarland, 
Walter Harris, Eli Smith and Ethan Smith." 

1 In 1814 the tract committee say, "We feel happy in informing this 
Association that their labors are in a measure superseded by the formation 
and successful operations of the New-England Tract Society ; which is 
intended to supply all the New-England States with tracts. * ^ -s^- -x- 
The Executive Committee of this Society have appointed a corresponding 
committee in this State, consisting of Kev. Dr. McEarland, Kev. Prof. 
Moore and Dea. Amos Tappan, who are authorized to take what number 
of tracts they please on credit for a few months," &c. 



30 

tion, now divided into two great rival national socie- 
ties ! We are aware, indeed, that the " New-England 
Tract Society " is said to have grown out of a meeting 
of certain gentlemen at Andover, held on Monday 
evening, in the study of Dr. Porter. And " that little 
room is hallowed as the birth place " of the society. 
But here is the fact, Dr. Church, chairman of our tract 
committee, whose whole soul was in this work, was 
the bosom friend of Dr. Woods, and associate of the 
other professors; and he also was one of the first 
Executive Committee of the New-England Society. 
May not the benevolent and honored gentleman of 
Andover, who met on " Monday evening, " have 
received their first impulse, or been guided in their 
action by this previous movement of our General 
Association?" 

The same year the Association took its first step in 
the cause of Temperance, by appointing a committee 
to " endeavor to devise measures, which may have an 
influence in preventing some of the numerous mis- 
chiefs, arising from the excessive and intemperate use 
of spirituous liquors." ^ In 1813, this first step was 
followed by a " recommendation to the several Asso- 
ciations, and all Ecclesiastical Bodies, to exclude the 
use of ardent spirits from their meetings; also, to 
individuals, that they abstain from using them in their 
families, and refrain, so far as may be, from the too 
common ceremony of offering them to their friends ; 
and to farmers, proprietors of manufactories and all 
others, to discountenance their use as a refreshment 



1 Committee were Kev. Seth Payson, d. d., Hon. Thomas W. Thomp- 
son, Dr. George Farrar, Eev. Pearson Thurston, William H. Woodward, 
Esq., and Rev. Asa McFarland. 



31 

for laborers, preferring, and if necessary, giving pecun- 
iary encouragement to such as will consent to abstain." 
This wholesome recommendation led to the formation 
of Moral Societies in various places, as Portsmouth, 
Exeter, Concord, Hanover, Pembroke, &c. Public 
attention was again called to the subject in 1820 ; and, 
in 1827, at Kindge, the members of the Association 
pledged themselves to abstain entirely from the use 
of ardent spirits and wine during the session. At 
Amherst, in 1832, they declared the "use and sale of 
intoxicating drink an immorality^ and that it is the duty 
of all our churches to refuse admission to all such 
persons as shall continue to make, sell or use ardent 
spirits as an article of drink or luxury." In 1834 the 
Association solemnly resolved " that we will do all in 
our power, by example and conversation, to banish 
the destructive influence of intemperance from the 
earth 1" A pledge likely to hold us, at least, the next 
fifty years ! 

Anxious for the steadfastness of the churches in 
doctrine, the Association also, in 1811, printed with 
their minutes, " An address on the doctrine of the 
Trinity" — (prepared by a committee, — Rev. Pearson 
Thurston, Church and Rowland) which the develop- 
ment of Unitarian sentiment about that time, espe- 
cially the publication of " Bible News, " by Noah 
Worcester, called for — an address remarkable for its 
scriptural proofs, its earnest argumentation and season- 
able warnings. Here I may say, although the Asso- 
ciation has never assumed authority over the churches, 
or the opinions of individuals, it has done much to 
guard them against all forms of error, and to render 
them "rooted and grounded in the faith." The 



32 

pastoral letters, annually published, have embraced 
every subject, doctrinal, experimental and practical, 
that " the times " required, and have been greatly, 
influential in conserving the faith, purity and or- 
der of the churches. We gratefully record to day 
that not a single church in our connection, whose 
pastor was sound in doctrine, has departed from the 
faith ! 

In the same memorable year, 1811, the idea origin- 
ated of a fund for the relief of the widows and orphan 
children of deceased ministers. It was on this 
wise : At the funeral of Rev. Ebenezer Flint, of 
Brentwood, in October, 1811, "it appeared that the 
widow, then bereaved, with four young children, was 
in such circumstances of indigence as demanded the 
charities as well as sympathies of christian friends." 
The fact was communicated to the General Associa- 
tion at its meeting in Hollis, in 1812, and the next 
year, at Plymouth, the plan of the Widows' Charitable 
Fund was agreed upon, a board of twelve trustees 
appointed by the Association, and the body afterward 
incorporated. ^ 

In 1813, at Plymouth, the Association, in its care 
for the New-Hampshire Missionary Society, appointed 
a committee ^ to consider if any method can be rec- 



1 It has always been understood that the Eev. Jonathan French, of 
ISTorth-Hampton, though not at that time connected with the General 
Association, had a principal agency in the origin and formation of the 
Widows' Charitable Fund. It was an object which always engaged his 
warmest sympathies and earnest labors to promote. 

The following are the names of the original twelve trustees : Eev. 
Abijah Wines, Jonathan French, ISTathan Parker, Dea. Amos Tappan, 
.lohn True, Esq., Eev. John Smith, Asa McFarland, D. d., William 
Morrison, Doctor Thomas Sargent, Eev. Walter Harris, William F. 
Eowland and Ephraim P. Bradford. 

2 Eev. Messrs. Payson, Eeed Paige and John Smith. 



33 

ommended to the Missionary Society for increasing 
their funds." This Society, I should premise, was a 
foster-child of the Association, though older than the 
parent, and nothing was too good that could be done 
to promote its gro\vth. The committee, therefore, 
in their clerical wisdom reported, ^ That they could 
devise no means for increasing the funds of the 
Society more promising than this : That the Mis- 
sionary Society endeavor to procure, by loan, funds 
for purchasing or erecting a Cotton Factory, to be 
conducted on christian principles, attended with 
means of christian instruction ; the proceeds of which 
to be sacredly devoted to the great objects of the 
Society. The said factory to be given as security for 
the loan, until the same be refunded ' ! 

In support of this proposal the committee offer five 
cogent reasons, as (in substance) 1. ' The large profits 
well known to result from capital employed in such 
factories, and which it might be presumed would be 
greatly increased from the patronage it would doubt- 
less receive from the Christian part of society. 2. The 
happy effects it would probably have on other facto- 
ries, which are notoriously becoming nurseries of vice. 
3. The relief it would afford to Christian parents, who 
are now deterred from sending their children into 
factories by the moral infection with which they are 
contaminated. 4. As, in the millennial state, merchan- 
dise shall he holiness to the Lord, christians should count 
it their highest pleasure to hasten on that happy state, 
and set the tuheels a-going ! 5. The hope that God's 
blessing would attend so pious an undertaking ! ' ^ 

1 See Minutes of General Association, 1813, and Eeports of New-Hamp- 
shire Missionary Society, 1813, '14. The fourth reason in favor of a cotton 

3 



34 

Happily the plan was submitted to the judgment 
of some of the world's people — Hon. Thomas W. 
Thompson, Hon. W. H. Woodward, Professor Adams, 
and Dea. McQuesten, with Dr. Payson, who reported 
"that in their view the objections to the proposed 
undertaking appear to be insurmountable." 

Suffice it — The Cotton Factory project was not 
adopted ! 

At Keene, in 1815, the monthly concert of prayer, 
so generally observed afterward on the first Monday 
in every month, was recommended to the churches, 
and generally adopted. In 1816, at Concord, the 
Association was the first time invited by the church 
to the Communion of the Lord's Supper ; and hence, 
upon recommendation of the body, the practice then 
begun has been continued till this time : seasons 
indeed have they been of sweet communion with 
Christ and with one another! In 1818, the Kev. 
Messrs. Coe, Carpenter and Turner were chosen a 
committee to consider the expediency of patronizing 
a religious newspaper in this State, who reported, that 
in conjunction with the Ecclesiastical Convention, "we 
think it our duty to give all suitable encouragement 
to this laudable design." Under the auspices of the 
Convention and Association, the first number of the 
New-Hampshire Observer was published by George 
Hough, Esq., January 4, 1819. Passing through 



factory is expressed in full thus : "As one description of the millennial 
state is, that merchandise shall be holiness to the Lord, ought not the 
efforts of Christians for the promotion of that happy state of things to he 
directed to this ohject — every step of which must afford the highest 
pleasure to the pious and henevolent mind?" As the meaning is somewhat 
dubious, I have given the exegesis as above. This crude conception, I 
ought to say, sprung from the factory enterprises which, about that time, 
affected the public mind like the later Eastern land mania. 



35 

changes of proprietorship and name, the paper has 
again and again been recommended to public patron- 
age by the Association, and has been of invaluable 
service to the ministers and churches, as a medium of 
intercommunication and of religious intelligence. 

About this time, 1816-1820, great interest was 
expressed from year to year in the religious instruc- 
tion of the rising generation. The worthy example 
of the church in Warner, Rev. John Woods, pastor, 
in the care of baptized and other children, was recom- 
mended for imitation,^ and all the ministers and 
churches in the State were urged to establish and 
support Sabbath schools and Bible classes. Hence, 
in 1824, the New-Hampshire Sunday School Union 
was formed, whose anniversary is held in connection 
with this body. 

A report, also, was this year adopted, embracing 
and enforcing the scriptural principle. That churches 
should consider themselves as organized bodies for 
charitable objects, and that they contribute for those 
purposes according to their ability, at stated times. 
At this meeting the American Colonization Society 
was taken into favor, and the cause of the deaf and 
dumb recommended to public patronage. In 1826, 
at Durham, district associations were urged to visit 
and aid destitute churches within their bounds, hold 



1 The churcli in Warner entered into an agreement — founded on Grod's 
covenant promises to his people, Genesis 17: 7; Acts 2: 39, &c. — to 
''bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." 
1. To pay special attention to their baptized children — to teach them the 
Scriptures every day, pray with and for them, catechise, warn, exhort and 
counsel them. 2. To present ourselves and our baptized children, at least 
twice a year, before the Lord, for special prayer and instruction. 3. To 
encourage "unbaptized children," with their parents, to attend and 
"share with our children an interest in the prayers of the church." See 
Minutes of Association, 1818, pages 5, 12, 13. 



36 

religious meetings, inquire into their condition, and 
render them ever}^ assistance in their power. County 
Conferences of churches were this year proposed, and 
the observance of an annual concert of prayer for 
colleges, both which recommendations were generally 
adopted. In 1827, at Kindge, the sanctifi cation of 
the Sabbath — which had again -and again, even from 
the first, engaged the attention of the Association — 
called out an able report ; as a result of which, in 
1828, a State auxiliary Sabbath Union was organized. 
At Rindge, also, the anniversary of the New-Hamp- 
shire Branch of the American Education Society, then 
recently formed, came into the order of exercises at 
the Association; 

In 1834, at Meredith Bridge, the vexed and vexations 
question which, in the course of discussion, has agi- 
tated the Association more than all others, came 
before the body by an overture from the Union 
Association, and was referred to a committee consist- 
ing of Revs. I. W. Putnam, B. P. Stone, David Stow ell, 
David Root, Jonathan Trench, and James Matheson, 
D. D., of England. The committee proposed two reso- 
lutions : 1. Resolved, That we view it as the imperious 
duty of Christians to make Slavery a subject of 
prayer, inquiry and discussion, with a view to its 
cessation at the earliest period consistent with its 
peaceable accomplishment. 2. Resolved, That we deem 
it vitally important that all discussion on this subject 
should be free from unhallowed excitement, and be 
conducted in a spirit marked with the meekness and 
gentleness of Christ." These moderate and judicious 
resolutions met the views of the Association at that 
time, and were adopted. But at the meeting in 



37 

Plymouth, 1835 — which some of the elder brethren 
will remember — an exciting scene occurred. The 
celebrated lecturer on slavery, George Thompson, from 
England, then the guest of Nathaniel P. Rogers, Esq., 
was present, and a request was made that he might 
be allowed to speak on the subject. A sudden and 
intense excitement arose ; most of the audience were 
upon their feet. Even the calmness and meekness of 
our venerable secretary, Dr. Church, was disturbed. 
Rising in his place with the decision and authority 
that could be better assumed by him than any other 
man, he said, "That subject is inadmissible here!" 
And it was not then admitted. But year after year 
it demanded admission and a hearing ! In 1837 a 
communication on the subject was received from the 
Congregational Union of Scotland, which, with others, 
was referred to a committee, of which the Rev. David 
Sutherland was chairman, who reported resolutions 
declaring the principle of slavery, or that men may 
hold, regard and treat their fellow men as property, 
to be "inconsistent with natural justice, and utterly at 
variance with the spirit and principles of the Bible ;" 
recommending also to our churches "to make this 
evil a subject of prayer and humiliation before God." 
In 1841, at Francestown, the subject again came up 
for discussion. The venerable Dr. Harris, then in the 
eightieth year of his age, was present at the meeting 
for the last time. As the discussion proceeded, the 
fire kindled in his bones ; and, as if charging on the 
enemy and fighting his battles over again, he spoke 
in shrill and earnest tones that stirred the heart like 
the old bugle notes of liberty ! Then Rev. Dr. Bar- 
stow offered a paper full of well-considered, just and 



38 

conciliatory sentiments, addressed "to the General 
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and to Chris- 
tians generally in the southern section of this coun- 
try," which was like oil on the troubled waters. It 
was unanimously adopted. Since which time, though 
often introduced, the subject has produced little or no 
agitation. In 1845, the Rev. Dr. McGill, delegate 
from the General Assembly, (Old School) offered a 
resolution passed by that body, with remarks explana- 
tory and apologetic of their views and action on the 
subject of slavery ; to which a committee, consisting 
of Rev. Dr. Lord, Tobey and Lee, made a noble 
response in resolutions which were unanimously 
adopted. The last resolution declares that this Asso- 
ciation considers itself " under obligation both to God 
and man, when called upon, to express its honest 
convictions, with simplicity and earnestness, and to 
protest against all participation in the system of 
slavery, fraught as it is with such bitter and unmiti- 
gated evils, both moral and social, to the country and 
mankind," From this position the Association has 
never swerved ; but owing to the friction and mutual 
uneasiness arising from this cause, the correspondence 
between this Association and the Old School Presby- 
terian Assembly was interrupted, and, in 1856, sus- 
pended. 

I will only add, on this branch of our history, that 
this Association has expressed its good will and ex- 
tended the hand of fellowship to every plan of " good 
devised " that promised to be useful. It has again 
and again declared itself in favor of the cause of 
Foreign Missions, for which our churches have freely 
and liberally contributed ; of the Bible and Home 



39 

Missionary Societies ; of the principles of the Ameri- 
can Peace Society — which, in truth, are recognized as 
the principles of the gospel : also, resolutions have 
repeatedly been adopted commendatory of the Ameri- 
can Tract and Education Societies ; American Sea- 
men's Friend Society, American Sunday School Union 
and Massachusetts Sabbath School Society; the So- 
ciety for Collegiate and Theological Education at the 
West, and the American and Foreign Christian Union, 
with others. 

Let me remind the Association, also, that, so re- 
cently as 1856, they held up their hands in favor of 
a Monumental Stone to the " world-renowned Rev. 
George Whitefield," to be erected in Exeter, on the 
spot where he preached his last sermon ; and that we 
agreed to a tax, at the rate of one dollar per head, 
for this — we thought — laudable enterprise ! But, 
owing to certain " impracticable" things, not foreseen, 
the foundation is not yet laid. Lest any, on a second 
sober thought, should deem this a less profitable 
investment than the " Cotton Factory" project, and 
abandon the enterprise, I can assure them that the 
sum — about seventy dollars — already contributed to- 
ward it, is well invested, and drawing a six per cent, 
interest in the Savings Bank at Exeter ! To mean tvell 
is clerical : To err is human ! 

Turn we now, brethren, to a topic of higher 
interest — The connection of the General Associatmt with 
revivals of religion and the growth of our churches. 

A review of the action of the Association on this 
subject is full of affecting interest. At the early 
meetings of the body, the delegates, from twelve to 



40 

eighteen in number, sitting quietly in the parlor or 
study of the pastor, where the meeting was held — two 
or three taking minutes of what was communicated — 
talked about Zion, her conflicts, her triumphs, her 
sorrows, and her joys. They wept as they heard of 
the waste places, the desolations of former genera- 
tions ; but rejoiced at the relation of whatever ap- 
peared favorable to her prosperity. Not only special 
seasons of prayer, but days of fasting and prayer 
have repeatedly been observed with reference to it. 
The language of the report on the state of religion 
in 1810 indicates the tone of feeling which has always 
pervaded the body in respect of revivals. " From the 
information received, it appears that a dark cloud is 
hanging over various parts of our Zion • * * * yet 
we congratulate the friends of Zion that we have 
reason to be thankful for the special beams of grace 
which God has shed upon some of our churches in 
the course of the year. In Newport, and Croydon, 
and some other places, a deep attention to divine 
things has prevailed, and many souls have been hope- 
fully converted to the truth." In 1816, which was a 
year of revivals, the General Association was held in 
Concord, and is remembered to this day by the aged 
inhabitants, as a season of remarkable interest. The 
report is full of inspiration : " A glorious light begins 
to dawn in our Christian hemisphere. Zion is rising 
from the dust. In twenty towns between seven and 
eight hundred have become the hopeful subjects of 
renewing grace." In 1820 the joy rose even to a 
higher note. " God has given special tokens of his 
favor to some of our churches. In Boscawen there 
have been about two hundred converts under the 



41 

ministry of Eev. Dr. Wood, and about sixty under 
the Eev. Mr. Price's ministry ! The revival com- 
menced in the East Parish in a school which was 
taught by an active, pious young man.^ How import- 
ant to have such instructors in all our schools ! " 

In 1824, at Londonderry, first parish, a great im- 
pression was produced by sermons preached by Rev. 
Gardner Spring, d. d., of New-York, and Rev. Justin 
Edwards, of Andover. The Rev. Phineas Cooke, then 
of Acworth, spent the following Sabbath there, and 
preached with such effect, that signs of a revival were 
immediately visible. The next year, at Lyme, the 
Report says : " It is interesting to think that in Lon- 
donderry, which has partaken most largely of the 
influences of the Spirit, the revival was intimately 
connected with the meeting of the General Associa- 
tion held there. The administration of the Lord's 
Supper was blessed to the awakening of many who 
afterward obtained hope." The meeting at Durham, 
1826, was one of remarkable impression. Great sym- 
pathy was felt for the pastor. Rev. Federal Burt, a 
man of rare and excellent gifts, by whose efficient 
labors the church had been built up, but who was 
then sick, and not expected long to live.^ Rev. Elias 
Cornelius, delegate from the General Association of 
Massachusetts, then in the prime of his manly beauty 



1 Understood to be Mr. Francis Danfortli, a member of Dartmouth 
College ; afterward, 1823, the worthy pastor, eight years, of the church 
in Greenfield ; dismissed, and settled 1831 in Winchester : afterward 
settled a year in Hadley, Mass., and died in Clarence, N. Y., 1844, aged 51. 

2 Eev. Federal Burt was so named by his father from the coincidence 
of his birth, March 4, 1789, with the organization of the United States 
government under the present Constitution, and the inauguration of Presi- 
dent Washington. He died after a pastorate of eleven years, at Durham, 
February 9, 1828, aged 39. 



42 

and strength, touched the hearts of the people by his 
eloquence ; the Rev. Henry Smith,^ a native of the 
place, fresh from revival scenes in western New-York, 
full of faith and fervor, prayed that "God would then 
set up his kingdom in the place where Satan's seat 
is." His fervent prayers and evangelical labors were 
greatly blessed to the conversion of souls there and 
in neighboring towns. Members of the Association 
faithfully conversed with inmates of the families 
where they were hospitably entertained ; and, before 
the Association closed, on Friday morning, it was joy- 
fully told, "God is here by his Spirit!" Forty-one 
were added to the church in Durham the following 
year. Similar blessed results followed the meeting of 
the Association at Rindge, in 1827 ; at which time, 
says the Report, " It is but just to mention that one 
measure, greatly conducive to revivals in this State, is 
the manner in which the religious anniversaries are 
conducted." 

At this period it was usual in our ministerial asso- 
ciations, in churches on the Sabbath, even in our 
families and closets, to make the General Association 
a subject of special prayer, that God would bless the 
annual meeting with his presence ; above all, that a 
revival of religion might follow it. Ministers and 
Christians came to regard the anniversary as the 
banquet of our Zion ; and, like the ancient tribes 
going up to Jerusalem, they flocked to the entertain- 
ment with holy joy! At Newport, in 1829, the 



i Eev. Henry Smith, pastor of a Presbyterian church in Camden, N. Y., 
was a son of Ebenezer Smith, Esq., of Durham. He died in Camden in 
1828 — an eminently pious and useful minister of Christ. He was a 
brother of Mrs. Young, wife of Kev. John K. Young, D. D., of Laconia. 



43 

blessing was a little time delayed ; but, ill the course 
of the ensuing year, sixty-three were added to the 
church. But the interest in the meeting of the 
Association rose to the highest point in 1831 — that 
memorable year of the right hand of the Most High — 
when revivals were reported in no less than sixty-two 
churches and congregations, and converts were reck- 
oned by thousands. The scenes of the meeting in 
Concord that year, still fresh in the memory of the 
fathers, I dare hardly trust myself even now to 
describe. We stood still to see the salvation of God ! 
The church had been praying for a blessing on the 
meeting, from the very beginning of the year ; our 
houses were all set in order ; business all arranged, to 
give uninterrupted attendance on the services. The 
Holy Spirit, by his gentle influences through the 
Spring and Summer, had prepared the hearts of the 
people. When the morning of the holy convocation 
dawned on us. Christians were all waiting, hopeful, 
tender, solemn, prayerful — pregnant with desire and 
expectation. The public exercises proceeded in usual 
order ; only now and then w^ere gushes of emotion, 
bathing the whole audience in tears. Narratives of 
the state of religion in other places, with exhortations 
intermingled, produced a most tender impression. 
Addresses, made by Rev. George Punchard, of Plym- 
outh, Rev. Increase S. Davis, then of Wentworth, and 
Rev. Phineas Cooke, then of Lebanon, are particu- 
larly remembered. But on the last day, the great 
day of the feast, God revealed himself, by his Spirit, 
to the hearts of the unconverted. The administra- 
tion of the Lord's Supper to about eight hundred and 
fifty communicants on the lower floor, in the presence 



44 



of near four hundred non-communicants, who stood 
in solemn and tearful silence in the gallery, produced 
an awful impression, associated with the idea of final 
separations at the judgment! The Rev. Joseph Vail, 
delegate from the General Association of Massachu- 
setts, addressed the unconverted with tender effect. 
At the closing service on Thursday evening, notwith- 
standing a violent storm of wind and rain, the house 
was filled with anxious worshipers. The Rev. Joel 
risk/ then of New-Haven, Vt, preached from John 
7: 37 — ''In the last day, that great day of the feast, 
Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let 
him come unto me and drink!' As the preacher 
pathetically urged sinners to come to Christ then, the 
tide of emotion which, under the influences of the 
Holy Spirit, had been gradually swelling, rose to its 
full height, and gushed simultaneously from the 
hearts of many in the great congregation. Just as 
the sermon was about to close, a leading man of the 
congregation arose from his seat, walked forward, 
and, kneeling in front of the pulpit, said, " Pray for 
me." His Christian wife followed, and kneeled by 
his side. The pastor then gave an invitation to all 
in the assembly who desired prayers, to come for- 
ward. Spontaneously and simultaneously they moved 
from every part of the spacious house, above and 
below, and filled the broad aisle from the pulpit to 



lAs a tribute to the memory of this eminently pious, faithful and 
successful minister of Christ, we record, that he was born in Waitsfield, 
Vt., October 26, 1796 ; became a member of the church there in 1816 ; 
graduated at Middlebury College, ]82o: read divinity with Eev. Charles 
VValker, d, d., then of Rutland ; (Dr. Walker married Lucretia, daughter 
of Stephen Ambrose, Esq., of Concord— and recommended Mr. Fisk as 
the preacher on this occasion, saying to the pastor, " There is no man like 
him for such occasions.") Rev. Mr, Fisk was settled four years at Monk- 



45 

the front door ! Solemn, tender, overwhelming was 
this unanticipated scene ! The ministers sat, won- 
dered, rejoiced and wept ! The Rev. William Clark, 
who was then a member of the same church, more 
self-possessed than some others, made a few pertinent 
remarks, and prayers were offered. The people then 
retired to their houses — not to sleep, but to converse 
and praise and pray ! Suffice it to say, that, from 
that hour, the subject of religion became the engross- 
ing topic of conversation, of personal inquiry and 
concern, through the town. As the fruits of the 
glorious work of God which thus burst upon us, one 
hundred and four were added to the church the ensu- 
ing year. 

Brethren, before we descend from these heights of 
our Zion^ let us change a little our position, and 
behold a new development of the revival spirit in the 
meeting of the Association at Amherst, in 1832. On 
Wednesday, at the anniversary of the New-Hampshire 
Bible Society, so enlarged were the hearts of God's 
people, that a contribution was taken up of $205.85, 
and a subscription made amounting to $819.50, be- 
sides two gold necklaces, worth twenty dollars. But 
on Thursday, at the close of the missionary sermon 
by Rev. Edward L. Parker, of Derry, " a missionary 
spirit broke out and pervaded the great congregation, 
and such a scene was opened as never before was 



ton, Vt. ; from 1830 to 1832, was pastor at New-Haven ; 1832-44, of the 
Presbyterian church in Essex, N. Y, ; then a missionary in Canada; 
settled in Phillipsburg, C. E,, from 1845 to 1850. V^hen he first went to 
Phillipsburg, the Eirst Church in Concord made a donation for the 
purchase of lamps for his meeting-house, for which they received from 
him a letter of grateful acknowledgment. Mr. Eisk also preached a 
Irasburg and Plainfield, Yt. ; at which latter place he died in faith and 
hope, December 16, 1856. Peace ! peace, to his memory ! 



46 

witnessed in New-Hampshire." It was resolved to 
raise, the ensuing year, $6,000 for the New-Hampshire 
Missionary Society, a large portion of which was 
pledged on the spot. About one hundred and twenty 
entered their names as life-members. The collection, 
including money and jewelry, was liberal beyond the 
expectation of the largest hearts. Old. Testament 
times seemed to have returned, when "they came, 
both men and women, as many as were willing- 
hearted, and brought bracelets and ear-rings, and 
rings and tablets and jewels of gold ; and every man 
that offered, offered an offering of gold unto the 
Lord."i 

As another fruit of the revival spirit of this period 
— which annually centered in the Greneral Associa- 
tion, and was thence diffused afresh over the churches 
— it was resolved, next year, 1833, at Keene, "to 
search out all the members of our churches, of suita- 
ble age, talents and prospects of usefulness, and 
encourage them to turn their attention to the work 
of the Christian ministry." Thus the New-Hampshire 
Branch of the American Education Society received 
a new impulse in its noble work. 

Of the character of converts in those joyous times, 
the Report of 1831 says: "Men of learning, wealth 
and influence, of high standing in society, have appa- 
rently become truly pious, and taken a decided stand 
in favor of religion. The tall cedars of Lebanon and 
the sturdy oaks of Bashan have been bowed before 
the Spirit of God." In 1833 the Report stated, "that 



1 See Keports of New-Hampshire Missionary Society, and of l^ew- 
Hampshire Bible Society, 1832. 



47 

those who were added two years ago continue stead- 
fast in the faith and order of the gospel, and that 
union, peace and love prevail in our churches." Some 
later years have been scarcely less favored. In 1835 
revivals were reported in 54 churches, and 2158 were 
added ; in 1836, 1200 were added ; in 1838, 1625 ; 
in 1843 more than fifty revivals and about 2,000 
added. Anniversaries not cheered by intelligence of 
revivals have usually been seasons of depression and 
lamentation : the absence of the Holy Spirit has been 
deeply deprecated, and days of fasting and prayer 
frequently recommended and observed. Our united, 
fervent prayer at such times has been — 

"Saviour, visit thy plantation ; 

Grant us, Lord, a gracious rain ; 
All will come to desolation, 
Unless thou return again. 
Lord, revive us, 
All our lielj^ must come from thee ! 

" Keep no longer at a distance ; 
Shine upon us from on high, 
Lest for want of thine assistance 
Every plant should droop and die. 

*' Let our mutual love he fervent, 
Make us prevalent in prayers ; 
Let each one, esteemed thy servant. 
Shun the world's bewitching snares. 

" Break the Tempter's fatal power, 
Turn the stony heart to flesh, 
And begin, from this good hour, 
To revive thy work afresh." 

HYMif 430, Select. 

[At a pause of the preacher, the above hymn was 
sung by the congregation with sublime effect.] 

STATISTICS. 

Let me now entertain you, brethren, with a brief 
chapter of statistics. In 1809 there had been no 
^^ numbering of Israel." Not even the number of 



48 

ministers or churches in our connection was generally 
understood. Our membership could not have ex- 
ceeded 6,500 at that time. In 1816 the first "com- 
pendious view of the associations and churches in 
connection with the General Association" was printed, 
occupying less than a page of the Minutes. The 
total then reported was 86 churches, 66 ministers and 
5,008 members. These returns were incomplete. In 
1820 the number of churches reported was 103 ; of 
ministers, 76, and communicants, 8,848 ; — probably 
the whole number at that time was about 11,300.-'^ 

Notwithstanding the unceasing drain from our 
churches by emigration, the membership has steadily 
increased from year to year ; so that, from about 
11.300 in 1820, we reckon our number at this time, 
1858, at 21,244, with 14 associations, 189 churches and 
192 ministers.^ This embraces all the Orthodox Con- 
gregational and Presbyterian ministers and churches 
in the State. Comparing this increase of our churches 
and membership with that of the increase of popula- 
tion in the State, we find the ratio of the former 
jnore than double that of the latter : for example, 
the whole population of the State in 1820 was 
244,161 ; in 1850, 317,864. Estimating our present 
population at 336,000, the increase since 1820 is 
about 36 J per cent.; while the increase of member- 
ship in the same period is 921 per cent. 

The total amount of contributions* for benevolent 
objects in all our churches, in 1809, was $1290.88 for 



1 See a valuable table compiled by Kev. B. P. Stone, d. d., in New- 
Hampshire Missionary Society's Keport, 1852, page 29. 

2 See Congregational Year Book, 1859. 



49 

the New-Hampshire Missionary Society, including the 
New-Hampshire Cent Institution. Since then, under 
the auspices and impulses of the General Association, 
more than from all other agencies combined, there 
have been paid into our several treasuries : ^ 

For Home Missions in New-Hampshire and the West, $234,707.00 

For the New-Hampshire Bible Society, 133,731.78 

For the New-Hampshire Branch of the American Education 

Society, since 1827, 55,633,32 

For Foreign Missions, in cooperation with the American Board, 
which was formed in 1810, and which, at the very beginning, 
was hailed by the Association as a harbinger of the latter 
day glory, 252,870,00 

Our contributions for the American Tract Society, 
which have always been liberal, and for other public 
cha.ritable objects, we cannot state definitely, but 
think that $100,000 is a low estimate for them all : 
hence we are safe in placing the whole amount 
contributed by our churches and congregations, in 
fifty years, at a total of seven hundred and seventy-six 
thousand nine hundred and forty-two dollars. 

The correspondence begun in 1809 and 1810, with 
the General Associations of Massachusetts and Connec- 
ticut, the General Convention of Vermont, and the 
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, has 
been gradually extended, till, except the last, it now 
embraces also 

The General Conference of Maine, begun 1826 

Evangelical Consociation of Ehode-Island, 1829 

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, (N. S.)..1842 

General Association of New- York, 1844 

The Canada Congregational Union, 1844 

The General Association of Michigan, 1844 



1 See Annual Eeports of the several societies. 

4 



50 



The General Association of Iowa, 1849 

General Association of Illinois, 1850 

General Convention of Wisconsin, 1850 

General Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1851 

The right hand of fellowship to Oregon, 1852 

General Conference of Ohio, ; 1854 

The New-Hampshire Baptist Convention, the New-Hamp- 
shire Methodist Conference, the Free- Will Baptist Yearly 

Meeting, 1854 

General Conference of Minnesota, 1858 

Also correspondence, by letter, with the Congregational Union of 
England and Wales, and with the Eree Church of Scotland. 

In 1809 the Congregational denomination was 
hardly known beyond New-England ; now it has 
not merely a "name" but a "place" in at least 
twenty of the States and Territories of our Union, 
and in Canada, New-Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 
According to the " numbering of Israel " by the 
master statistician, Eev. A. H. Quint, Secretary of 
the Massachusetts General Association, there were 
in the United States, at the beginning of the year, 
2,369 Congregational churches, 2,408 ministers, and 
230,094 members. Adding the returns already re- 
ported for this year, we are safe in estimating the 
total membership at 245,000. 

Within this period of fifty years, we have sent forth 
our brethren and sisters in Christ, our sons and our 
daughters, by thousands, into new States and Territo- 
ries y who have there become the founders, patrons 
and supporters of schools, churches, colleges and 
theological seminaries, and spread all over our land 
the institutions and influences which ever have char- 
acterized the descendants of the Pilgrim and Puritan 
fathers. Our churches, also, have now, and have had 
from the beginning, their representative missionaries 
in foreign and pagan lands. 



51 

Finally^ — The character of our ministry claims our 
regard on this occasion. We stand in the line of a 
pious, learned, eminently devoted and useful succes- 
sion of ministers of Christ. We make no boastful 
nor invidious comparisons with the ministry of other 
denominations, or of our own, in other States ; but 
reviewing the period of fifty years, how much soever 
we may be humbled before God, we have little to be 
ashamed of before men ! What steadfastness in the 
faith ! What brotherly esteem and confidence ! What 
harmony of views and action ! How little of rivalry 
and ambition have been manifest ! In this Association 
there has been no honor but that of service, and no 
reward but that of conscious integrity, the esteem of 
brethren and the approval of God. Of all who have 
been settled in our churches, in the past fifty years, 
or who have preached as stated supplies, we have 
never heard of one convicted of a crime in any court 
of justice, nor of one found guilty of a gross vice or 
immorality. A few, indeed, we regret to say, have 
lost their standing and name in our ministry. From 
one^ fellowship was withdrawn on account of his " dere- 
liction of the doctrine of the proper Deity of our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." ^ Three, after being 
dismissed from their charge, embraced and preached 
Unitarian doctrine; two were deposed for irregu- 
larities of temper and conduct unworthy of ministers 
of Christ ; two " went out from us " under anti- 
slavery excitements ; two, otherwise worthy brethren, 



1 It is just to tlie memory of Kev. Thomas Worcester, of Salisbury, 
above referred to, to record, that some time before his death, in 1831, he 
was, at his own desire, restored to the communion and fellowship of the 
church in that place. 



52 

embraced the views of the Baptists ; and one, 
after being with ns a year, entered the Episcopal 
ministry. We recall no others whose names do not 
stand fair upon our records. Can more be said of 
any other equal number of ministers ? As to unity 
and stability in our faith, so far as known, we all 
stand professedly — we trust honestly and conscien- 
tiously — on the same basis of doctrine laid down by 
the founders of the Association. Although, on some 
points, we might vary the form of stating our belief, 
or adopt different expositions, or different philoso- 
phies ; though, probably, we do not all give the same 
prominence to certain doctrines as did the fathers in 
the glare of their " new light ;" yet, so far as avowed, 
we still hold the "Assembly's Shorter Catechism as 
expressing in substance our faith in points of doctrine." 

If there be, my brethren, as some fear and allege, 
less plain, discriminating doctrinal preaching than by 
the founders of the Association, may it not be our 
wisdom and duty to return to the more approved 
practice of the fathers ? 

But " the fathers, where are they ? And the proph- 
ets, do they live forever?" Let us reverently recall 
the names of some of them — their labors, their virtues, 
their faith, their successes and their triumphs ; and, 
as they rise over us, let us catch their spirit, and pray 
that their falHng mantle may ever more rest upon us.-^ 

The oldest in settlement, 1772, who became a 

1 As it is not possible, in this brief space, to speak of all the deceased 
ministers of the State, the author earnestly hopes that neither the mention 
of the names of some, nor the omission of others, will be imputed to 
personal partiality, or any other cause than the necessity of a selection ; 
or, it may be, un acquaintance with individuals omitted. Some excellent 
and worthy ministers in their parishes, never, or very rarely, attended the 
General Association. 



53 

member of the Association, was one of the few who 
in early life was called a "revival preacher" — the 
Kev. Isaiah Potter, ordained under the shades of an 
elm tree still standing on the bank of the Connecticut 
river, forty-five years pastor of the church in Lebanon, 
a student with Dr. Smalley, of Berlin, Ct., and of like 
divinity ; a man of great physical strength, of large 
benevolence, a sterling patriot, and a chaplain for a 
time in the War of the Revolution. He preached 
the "new light" doctrines with great fidelity and 
power. As fruits of a revival in 1782, fifty-three 
w^ere added to his church on one Sabbath. Of his 
church twelve became preachers of the gospel ; 
among them Rev. Samuel Wood and Rev. Walter 
Harris. Mr. Potter was moderator of the Association 
at Plymouth, in 1813, and deceased in 1817, aged 71. 

Rev. Isaac Smith, who was chairman of the committee 
that proposed the plan of the Association, forty-three 
years pastor of the church in Gilmanton, was a Cal- 
vinist of the "Bellamy school," "a skillful linguist, 
reading Latin and Greek almost as readily as English ;" 
the chief founder of Gilmanton Academy, and as a 
preacher, argumentative, vivacious, clear and pointed. 
He had " the happy faculty of saying the right things 
at the right time." He was a member of the Associa- 
tion in 1816; died in 1817, at the age of 72. Of 
Dr. Elihu Thayer we have already spoken. His useful 
life closed in 1812, at the age of 65. 

Rev. Nathaniel Porter, d. d., fifty-eight years pastor 
of the church in Conway, sound in Calvinistic divinity, 
of strong native sense, and rich in learning, was a 
man " who worked hard by day, and wrote his ser- 
mons by the light of pitch-wood at night." There 



54 

is a tradition that Dr. Porter hesitated to accept an ap- 
pointment to preach the Election Sermon in 1804, for 
want of suitable clothes ; and that a few friends, 
learning of his embarrassment, by a special subscrip- 
tion furnished him a suit for the occasion.^ It is 
further related, that, stopping at the half-way house 
in Center-Harbor on the evening of the first day's 
journey, he there met a company of lawyers and 
others, who proposed, among themselves, a game of 
cards. A friend of the. Doctor present said ' he would 
play on one condition, viz., that whoever won should 
pay the money to Dr. Porter,' which was agreed to, 
and next morning he resumed his journey with a 
well-filled purse. Dr. Porter's personal presence was 
most venerable. In extreme age he sat in the pulpit 
when he preached, his snowy locks flowing over his 
shoulders. After the benediction, his people univer- 
sally stood up until the pastor walked down the aisle 
of the church to the door. He died in November, 
1836, at the good old age of 92. 

Rev. Seth Payson, p. d., thirty-eight years pastor 
of the church in Rindge — the honored father of a 
scarcely more honored or useful son ^ — possessed a 
clear, discriminating mind, and had " a deep expe- 
rience in spiritual things." His counsels were wise ; 
his labors abundant ; his influence was prominent in 
all ecclesiastical and charitable proceedings in the 
State ; and his name is embalmed, to this day, in the 
hearts of an aflectionate and confiding people. He 



iDr. Porter had many warm friends in Fryeburg, where he often 
preached, among whom were the Bradleys and Judge Dana. 

2 He was father of the Eev. Edward Payson, d. d., of Portland. 



55 

was moderator of the Association at Hollis in 1812, 
and at Hanover in 1814. He deceased February 26, 
1820. Eeferring to Dr. Payson's death, the Pastoral 
Letter of the Association says, " One of the stars of 
the first magnitude in our hemisphere has been 
removed." His age was 62. 

Rev. William Morrison, d. d., pastor of the Second 
Presbyterian Church in Londonderry thirty-five years, 
was of Scotch origin, Scotch genius and Scotch divin- 
ity. Of catholic spirit, he entered heartily into the 
plan of the Association, and was moderator at its 
organization. In memory of him we transcribe, to-day, 
the inscription placed on his tombstone by his affec- 
tionate and bereaved people : 

"The Eev. William Morrison, d, d., for thirty-five years the beloved 
and honored pastor of this church : From nature, he inherited an ener- 
getic and capacious mind, with a heart of tenderest sensibility ; from 
grace, all the virtues which adorn the man and the Christian. As a 
divine, a preacher and a pastor, he held acknowledged eminence. With 
apostolic simplicity and genuine eloquence, he preached Jesus Christ and 
him crucified. He died, in sweet peace and animated hope, March 9, 
1818, aged 70. When this monument, erected by his mourning flock, 
shall have gone to decay, his dear memory will still remain ; for the 
righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance." 

I will only add, that, as he lay a-dying, he ejacu- 
lated, " Oh, to be with Jesus ! Come ! come ! Lord 
Jesus!" 

With the foregoing we had no personal acquaint- 
ance ; but henceforth speak of those whom we have 
known, revered and loved. 

The name that first in order presents itself, is the 
most familiar, most honored, most beloved, that can 
be pronounced in the hearing of this people. In such 
a presence, in what language shall I speak of him ? 



56 

Converted in childhood ; fitted by nature and grace 
to be a minister of Christ ; a scholar of the first rank 
at his graduation ; coming to this field of labor in 
the freshness and ardor of vouth ; the affectionate, 
assiduous pastor ; the faithful, earnest, pathetic, often 
eloquent preacher ; the friend and educator, under 
his own roof, of more than one hundred and fifty 
pupils, of whom between forty and fifty entered the 
ministry ; and the name and fame of others became 
a nation's pride and glory ; on whose long ministry of 
fifty-five years the Holy Spirit placed the seal of his 
approval in successive and powerful revivals of relig- 
ion • — the Rev. Samuel Wood, d. d., is worthy to be 
placed, '' primus inter pares ^' first among the most 
useful pastors of New-Hampshire. He preached his 
fiftieth anniversary sermon, October 17, 1831, from 
the text, I Corinthians 2:3: "I was with you in 
weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling:" 
reading before sermon, Watts, 131st Psalm, C. M. — 

"■Is there ambition in my heart ? 
Search, gracious God, and see." 

Near the close of life Dr. Wood repeated the 
substance of his creed to an aged brother-^ in the 
ministry. " I want you to declare, as my dying senti- 
ment, and let it never be disputed after I am gone^ 
that I am a firm believer in an Infinite Saviour. I 
believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is really God and 
really man, ^ God manifest in the flesh ;/ that he has 
made a complete atonement for sin ; that we are 
justified and saved by sovereign grace, through the 
redemption that is in Jesus Christ. I believe that I 
am by nature altogether sinful, and that without an 

i Dr. Harris. See funeral sermon, by Key. Mr. Price. 



57 

entire change of heart, wrought by the Spirit of God, 
I can never enter into the kingdom of God ; likewise 
that it is owing to the eternal and electing love of 
God that ever a sinner accepts offered mercy ; and 
therefore God will have all the glory : and on these 
doctrines, ivith the strongest confidencty I rest my hope of 
eternal life /" 

Having no children, he adopted the church and 
society as his heirs, and left for their benefit, in all 
future time, (after the decease of his wife) what his 
industry and economy had gained. In the death, as 
well as in the life, of Dr. Wood, we have a beautiful 
illustration of the sufficiency of divine grace. '^ It is 
so great a thing," said he, " to die and appear before 
God, I used to think I should fear and tremble, and 
shrink back when death came to stare me in the face ; 
but now I view him nigh, yet have no fear ! I have 
not words to express the perfect safety I feel in the 
hands of Christ. He is an all-sufficient — he is an 
infinite Saviour. He is just such a one as I need !" 
His last words were, ^^ All is wellV If we will, my 
brethren, we may visit his tomb to-day, and there pay 
our last united tribute to his memory ! ^ 

Rev. Walter Harris, d. d., forty-one years pastor 
of the church in Dunbarton, was a student of Dr. 
Emmons, of Franklin, Mass., and scarcely his inferior 
in clearness, discrimination and argumentation ; bold, 
as became a soldier of the Revolution, and much 
more a soldier of the cross ; a wise disciplinarian, 



1 See funeral discourse, by Kev. Ebenezer Price. 

Dr. Wood died December 24, 1836, aged 84 years. His wife, Eunice 
Bliss, of Lebanon, IST. H,, whom he married September 6, 1780, Avas a 
woman distinguished for kindness, industry, frugality and hospitality. 
She survived him, and deceased April 5, 1850, at the age of 94. 



58 

and valiant for the truth. In the pulpit, Dr. Harris 
used short notes, holding in his hand a small Bible, to 
which he turned for references ; his gestures were 
prompted by the nature of his subject ; his tones, 
clear and penetrating; often, when preaching on 
doctrines, he rose to a pitch of sublime and subduing 
eloquence. The conversion of sinners to God was 
the great aim of his ministry. His old age was 
serene — his death peaceful, happy, triumphant ! " Free- 
dom ! freedom!" he exclaimed. Freedom from pain ? 
"Yes, and from sin." His influence is imbedded in 
the very soil and rocks where he spent his useful life ! 
He died December 25, 1843, aged 82. 

Among the marked members of the General Asso- 
ciation, used often to be seen a little man, always 
astir for good, of keen blue eyes, quick motions and 
tender sensibilities, with a clear and lively voice ; 
whose ministry was distinguished by special seasons 
of revival, as the fruits of which large additions were 
made to the church. " Father Hill," as he was called 
in his old age, was sole pastor of the church in Mason 
forty-six years, and, with the aid of two or three 
colleagues, fulfilled a pastorate of nearly sixty-four 
years, resting from his work at the age of 88 years. 

As a writer on the Prophecies, with an imagination 
that banqueted amid the visions of Daniel and the 
scenes of the Apocalypse — ciirrente lingua et calamo — 
with a tongue and pen that never ceased to flow, a 
polemic defender of the Congregational polity, an ad- 
vocate of evangelical doctrines and benevolent enter- 
prises, the Rev, Ethan Smith is remembered with re- 
spect, as first secretary of the New-Hampshire Mission- 
ary Society, and seventeen years pastor of the church 



59 

in Hopkinton. He died 1849, at the advanced age 
of 87 years. 

Rev. John Kelley, forty-four years pastor of the 
church in Hampstead, one of the founders of the 
Association, moderator in 1817, was often seen and 
heard as & delegate to this body. While his quaint 
wit, and idiosyncrasies of mind and manner, would 
provoke an irrepressible smile, and give a stranger a 
queer idea of the man, there was in him such a 
downright honesty and sincerity, such tenaciousness 
for truth and right, and readiness for every good 
work, as always to command respect. He died No- 
vember 23, 1848, aged 85. 

Occasionally at our meetings, but oftener at 
ordaining and other councils, there was seen — -only 
to be venerated and loved — the animated, emotional, 
spiritual face of Rev. Samuel Hidden, who was 
ordained on a rock at Tamworth in 1791, and re- 
mained pastor of the church forty-five years. His 
soul was sometimes a flame and sometimes a fountain. 
His prayers were literally " with strong crying and 
tears." In preaching, his face was often like a cloud 
in sunshine, all radiant with smiles while besprinkled 
with tears. His labors as a volunteer missionary 
extended over the whole northern-central part of 
the State as far as Fryeburg and the White Mount- 
ains, and ceased not till the Master closed his mission, 
at the age of 77 years. Rejoicing in the prospect 
of being soon with Christ, he exclaimed, "Just draw 
back the vail, and I am there ! " Then, tuning his 
lyre for the last song, he sung — 

" Angels ! roll the rock away ! 
Death, yield up the mighty prey ! " 



60 

Rev. Eli Smith, of Hollis — the banner town of 
New-Hampshire for the pubUc education of her sons 
— was an able man in his generation ; an earnest, 
faithful preacher of Calvinistic doctrines, and instru- 
mental in the conversion of many souls. As the fruit 
of one revival in 1801-2, one hundred and forty-two 
were added to his church. He died 1847, aged 88. 

Eev. Asa McFarland, d. d., of Concord, was sound 
in doctrine, as his book on Heresies and published 
sermons evince ; one of the founders of the Associa- 
tion, and an efficient co-laborer in every good work. 
With a voice of deep base, his eloquence was at times 
like peals of thunder, which, as it echoed around the 
walls of the capacious house of God in which he 
preached, made the pillars thereof, and much more 
the hearts of sinners, tremble ! As fruits of his min- 
istry of twenty-seven years in Concord, 429 were 
added to his church. He left 2,054 manuscript ser- 
mons written in full, equal to 76 a year. He died 
February 18, 1827, aged 58. 

Next to Dr. McFarland in age and settlement, 
we owe more than a common tribute to the leading 
spirit — the head and heart of this Association for 
more than thirty years — the Rev. John H. Church, 
D. D. ; and we will re-endorse to-day the original rec- 
ord, placed on our Minutes at the meeting in Hamp- 
ton, 1840: "This General Association are deeply 
affected by the providence of God in removing 
their late venerable and greatly beloved secreta- 
ry, the Rev. Dr. Church. They rejoice that through 
so long a life he was enabled to sustain numer- 
ous and unceasing labors in various departments of 
service in the ministry, and in the literary and be- 



61 

nevolent institutions of our State and land. They 
rejoice in the example of devoted piety, great self- 
denial, christian spirit and consistent life, which he 
uniformly exhibited, and by which he, being dead, yet 
speaketh. They rejoice in the full belief that he 
fought the good fight, finished his course, kept the 
faith, and has gone to receive a crown of righteous- 
ness. * * * Their prayer is, that God would raise 
up many, who, with the spirit, power and grace of 
that departed man of God, may live, labor and die, 
not as their own, but entirely as the Lord's." ^ 

Brethren, let us enjoy the satisfaction of once more 
recalling the names and the living image of certain 
fathers, before whose hoary heads we were wont as 
juniors to rise up ; of the grave and reverend Josiah 
Prentice, forty-three years pastor of the church in 
North wood, who departed this life in the 84 th year 
of his age :^ the discreet and unpretending, but 
appreciated pastor of the church in Deerfield twenty- 
nine years, Kev. Nathaniel Wells, who died in his 
85th year^ — a pastor who in his closet used to pray 
for each individual in his parish by name : of the 
Rev. Josiah Carpenter, of even and exemplary life, 
thirty-six years pastor at Chichester, who deceased in 
his 89th year : ^ the Eev. Drury Fairbank, eighteen 
years pastor of the church at Plymouth, and sixteen 
at Littleton, the everlasting delegate from Caledonia, 
but whose placid face, shining bald-head, and bland 

1 The above just tribute was drawn by the late Kev. Jonathan French, d. d. 

2 He died October 28, 1855, aged 83 years and 8 months. 

3 He died December 31, 1858, aged 84 years and 4 months. 

4 He died March 1, 1851, aged 89. 



62 

speech always made him welcome.^ He died in Lit- 
tleton, 1853, at the age of 80 years : of the Rev. 
Joseph Eowell, a student of Dr. Emmons, twenty- 
eight years the diligent and nseful pastor of the 
church in Cornish, who died 1842, at Claremont, at 
the age of 75 years : of the Rev. Moses Sawyer, a 
student of Dr. Burton, of Thetford, Yt., the mild and 
prudent pastor of the church in Henniker twenty-four 
years — of whom it is no common praise to say, that 
he never " uttered a word or did an act that had a 
tendency to bring reproach on the ministry." He 
died in Ipswich, Mass., in 1847, aged 71 : of Sylvester 
Dana, thirty years pastor in Orford, but spent the last 
years of his life in Concord ; a good man, who bore 
the infirmities of old age with resignation, and came 
to his grave as a shock of corn, fully ripe, at the age 
of fourscore years. He died June 9, 1849. How 
pleasant to look once more on the serene face, and to 
hear the gracious words uttered with broad Scottish 
accent, of " father David Sutherland." How savory 
his extempore discourses ; how apt his anecdotes and 
illustrations ! how fervent and tender his prayers. 
Resigning his ministry of thirty-eight years in Bath, 
he spent the remainder of his life in such labors as 
his enfeebled health allowed. He last met with us in 
Littleton, in 1853 — when he invoked on us God's 
benediction, and bade us farewell ! To him death 
was a welcome. " I long, I long, to depart to be with 
Christ ; oh, that I could fly away and be at rest ! " ^ 



1 Kev. Mr. Fairbank was delegate thirteen times, from 1821 to 1835, and 
if not a delegate was usually present to enjoy the occasion. 

2 He died July 25, aged 78. 



I 



63 

Occasionally, at our annual gatherings, we beheld 
the majestic form of the talented and honored pastor, 
thirty-nine years, of the Presbyterian church in New- 
Boston — the Eev. Ephraim P. Bradford, a man whose 
native powers, improved by greater industry, would 
have made him equal to any station. More rarely 
was seen another, of rustic exterior ; with face flushed 
from labors in the field ; with piercing dark eyes and 
Websterian brow, indicative of genius — the self-taught, 
learned Greek and Hebrew scholar, the Rev. Isaac 
Robinson, d. d., fifty-one years pastor of the church 
in Stoddard ; of whom it is no disparagement to his 
brethren to say, that in criticism and ability to discuss 
difficult subjects, he was scarce inferior to any one of 
his time. His sermon on "the human and official 
inferiority and supreme divinity of Christ" is one of 
the ablest on this subject to be found in the writings 
of American divines. He died July 9, aged 75. 

The Rev. Abraham Burnham, d. d., of Pembroke, 
the Rev. Josiah Webster, of Hampton, and the Rev. 
John M. Whiton, d. d., of Antrim, were settled in 
1808, one year before the General Association was 
formed, and became identified with its history. The 
fird^ prompt, efficient, energetic, sound in theology, of 
the same school with his venerated father in Christ, 
Rev. Dr. Harris, and cast in the same mould of deci- 
sion and stability; a man who was always in his place 
and never out of it ; appointed treasurer of the Gen- 
eral Association in 1812, he held the office till his 
resignation, in 1851, and was never absent during that 
time. His name stands conspicuous among all the 
educational, missionary and charitable institutions of 
the State. His death was characteristic of his life. 



64 

WKen told, in his last sickness, that he could not 
recover, he said, "the result is not unexpected. I 
have anticipated it from the beginning." Being asked 
if he was willing to leave himself in the hands of 
God, he said, "entirely," adding, "when I gave myself 
up to God in conversion, I gave myself up to die!" 
Of him we may fitly say: 

"Soldier of Christ, well done ! 

Eest from thy loved employ ; 
The battle fought, the victory won, 

Enter thy Master's joy ! " i 

The Rev. Mr. Webster's last public service was 
preaching in Newbury port, March 15, 1837, at the 
ordination of his son, John Calvin Webster, as Sea- 
man's Chaplain at Cronstadt, Russia. Returning home 
unwell, he remarked that "he thought his work on 
earth done," adding: "Well, I know not with what 
act I could close my life with more satisfaction." ^ Dr. 
Whiton was a remarkable man, blending the siiaviter 
in modo with the fortiter in re — the nice literary taste 
and finished style of a scholar, with the laborious 
out-door duties of a pastor — true old school Presbyte- 
rianism, with the free impulses of Congregationalism ; 
a stanch conservatist of the Constitution and the 
Union, yet a fearless advocate of the doctrmes of 
emancipation. In Dr. Whiton were united mildness 
with decision, gentleness with energy, modesty with 
boldness, a quick perception with moderate expression; 
powerful with his pen, but slow of speech. His judg- 
ment was sound, his counsels safe. Near to death he 
was asked, "Are you able to rest on Christ?" "Yes: 

I He died September 21, 1852, aged 76 years and 10 months. 
9 He died March 27, 1837, aged 65. 



65 

my only hope is in the mercy of God, through Jesus 
Christ unto eternal life ! " ^ 

In this connection, who of us will not recall the 
name, the form, the mild words of that '' model pastor'' 
of Derry, Hev. Edward L. Parker, who finished forty 
years of service for the Master, and at a moment's 
summons went to give account,^ Still another form 
rises before us ; we recognize it as the acknowledged 
high priest of New-Hampshire, wearing indeed no 
miter but that of grace and good will on his lofty 
brow; always bearing about in his heart rather than 
in his vestments, the true Urim and Thummim^ by 
virtue of which, on special occasions, he delivered the 
oracles of God with such truth and earnestness, that 
every bosom sent back a full response ; fifteen years 
pastor of the church in Acworth, where he witnessed 
wonderful displays of grace ; and nineteen years 
pastor of the church in Lebanon, the name of Rev. 
Phineas Cooke runs through the most interesting 
period of our history, is identified with many sea- 
sons of revival, and with all the moral and relig- 
ious enterprises of our denomination in the State. 
Leaving us, in 1848, to spend the evening of life with 
a son in the ministry, at Amherst, Mass., his heart 
often yearned for his dear brethren in New-Hampshire. 
His dying request was that he might be buried in the 
place of his early ministry, and among the graves of 



iDr. "WMton was pastor of tlie Presbyterian church in Antrim forty 
years, when he resigned his charge ; preaching in various places. He died 
September 27, 1856, aged 73. 

2 He died suddenly, of heart disease, July 14, 1850, aged 66. 

5 



66 

his first parishioners and converts to Christ 1 A fit 
monument is there erected to his memory I 

Contrasted with Rev. Mr. Cooke in person, manners 
and address, as they often stood side by side on the 
same platform, was the Rev. Jonathan French, d. d., 
" a Puritan of the Puritans" — of direct descent, it is 
said, on the side of both father and mother, from 
John Alden, the first man of the Mayflower who 
stepped his foot on Plymouth rock, and whose wife 
was '' the fair Puritan maiden Priscilla." Four times 
was he the honored moderator of this Association.^ 
The laborious, successful and beloved pastor of the 
church in North-Hampton, he preached his fiftieth 
anniversary discourse, and then resigned his charge. 
The fact illustrates his pastoral prudence and discre- 
tion, that, while he was called by letters missive to 
attend one hundred and seventy-three councils, his 
church had no occasion for even one during the whole 
period of his ministry. We indorse to-day the senti- 
ments expressed in the discourse at his funeral by 
Rev. Mr. Tobey : " His memory will be fragrant 
throughout the State, and in considerable portions of 
adjoining States, as that of a good man, a wise coun- 
selor, a faithful servant, a worthy and useful minister 
of our Lord Jesus Christ." As the time of his depart- 
ure was at hand, at the age of 78, he said, "lam 
going home!" Yes, 

" Strangers into life we come, 
And dying is but going home !" 2 



1 At Salisbury, 1828 ; New-Ipswich, 1838 ; Hampton, 1840 ; and at 
Meredith Bridge, 1847. 

2 See an excellent funeral discourse, by Rev. Alvan Tobey, pastor of the 
church in Durham. Dr. French died December 13, 1856. 



67 

I ought, perhaps, ere this, to have spoken of some 
more eminent in learning and in station — if any 
station can be superior to that of pastor — particu- 
larly of the nobly endowed in mind and heart, the 
dignified and eloquent Kev. Francis Brown, d. d., 
President of Dartmouth College, j ustly classed as "a 
star of the first magnitude" — who deceased July 27, 
1820, in the vigor of a princely manhood, aged only 
36 : — of his immediate successor, also of us, the Rev, 
Daniel Dana, b. d., pastor four years of the Presbyte- 
rian church in Londonderry, who, though still living 
at the age of 88 to adorn the doctrines he has so ably 
preached and defended, is worthy to be embalmed 
as a beautiful exemplification of the meekness and 
gentleness, the gravity and courtesy that befit a min- 
ister of Jesus Christ : ^ — of Rev. Bennet Tyler, d, d,, 
moderator of the Association, and preacher at Rindge 
in 1827 — who recently deceased in East Windsor, Ct., 
at the age of 75 ; whose power in the pulpit and in 
the chair of theology lay in his ability to explain, 
defend, and apply the doctrines which are the basis 
and the bond of this Association. 

And what shall I say more ? For time would fail 
me to speak of those who were more nearly our 
cotemporaries in age, and in the ministry ; of Burgess, 
of Hancock, of massive proportions, both of body 
and of mind ; of Cutler, of Windham, honest and 



1 Df. Dana died September 26, 1869, the' s^ext day after tbe delivery of 
this discourse ! He was born at Ipswich, Mass., July 24, 1771 ; graduated 
at Dartmouth College, 1788 ; settled as pastor of the Presbyterian church 
in Newbury port, November 19, 1794 ; resigned in 1820^ and was President 
of Dartmouth College about one year ; then pastor four yea?s at London- 
derry. He retTarnsed to Newbiaryport in 1825, 



68 

earnest in his work ; of Perry ^ sturdy and energetic, 
nine years the feeder of his flocJc in Lyme ; of Morton, 
of Bristol, evangelical in spirit and labors ; of ClarJc, 
of Greenland, whose sterling worth was hid from 
common gaze by the thick vail of his modesty ; of 
Farnsworth, of Hillsborough Bridge, who, in his dying 
moments, exclaimed, " my God, how sweet, how 
sweet are the employments of heaven!" of Knight, of 
Franklin and Fisherville, whose heart was full of 
warm affections and love for souls ; of Lane, the inde- 
fatigable and efficient agent, who was at last overcome 
by cares, and labors, and wounded sensibilities : of 
Ellis^ too, whose nervous soul worked too hard and 
fast for his physical frame; who, near to death, when 
asked if Christ was precious, answered, " All in all ! 
All in all ! All in all : " of Ahhot, of Seabrook, toilsome 
and self-denying, willing to spend and be spent ; of 
Richards, of Hanover, studious, accumulative, un- 
selfish, who, suddenly called from the midst of unfin- 
ished labors, just laid down his pen — to die.-^ 

These, all these, and others of equal, perhaps 
greater moral worth, whom I would gladly name, 
were our co-laborers in this Association, ^ and in the 



1 1 do not enter into particulars of the foregoing brethren, because it 
may be presumed they are well remembered by most of the Association : 
I would refer, however, to brief notices of them in the "New-Hampshire 
Churches," by Kev. E. F. Lawrence, of Claremont ; a work that is 
invaluable as a repository of facts. 

2 1 have been kindly reminded that I have omitted the name of the Rev. 
Isaac Hurd, d. d., who died October 4, 1856, aged 70, thirty-nine years pas- 
tor of the Second Church in Exeter ; a student, scholar and christian gen- 
tleman, held in universal respect by those who had the pleasure of his 
acquaintance ; but he rarely, if ever, was present at the meeting of the 
Association, except at Exeter. The Rev. Elisha Rockwood, d. d., nearly 
twenty-two years pastor of the church in Swanzey, was a sound preacher, 
and "a model of excellence in all the social relations of life." But his 
habits and age inclined him to retirement. He died, June 19, 1858, aged 80. 



69 

ministry of Jesus Christ. Let us to-day thank God 
for the relation we sustain to such ; for their faith, 
patience and labors, their example and peaceful end ! 
Let us anticipate a blessed re-union. This, doubtless, 
is our last general gathering on earth. The solemni- 
ties, rather festivities, of this jubilee over, we shall 
retire to our respective homes and fields of labor — 
never to witness a like occasion. 

"A few more struggles here, 
A few more partings o'er, 
A few more toils, a few more tears, 
And we shall part no more." 

Then let the prayer of each one be — 

" Then, my Lord, prepare 

My soul for that blest day ; 
Oh, wash me in thy precious blood, 

And take my sins away." 

To the fathers who survive the founding of the 
Association, we bid a reverential and affectionate 
farewell ! May the peace of God, which passeth all 
understanding, attend your steps along the path of 
your pilgrimage to the promised Rest. Those of us 
who have passed the meridian of life, and served our 
generation according to our feeble measure, must 
soon pass from view ! To the younger brethren, 
under shepherds of Christ, we commit the precious 
interests of this so long cherished Association. Often 
recall the Fundamental Principles which are its basis. 
Never forget the objects for which it was formed : " To 
promote brotherly intercourse and harmony, mutual 
animation, assistance and usefulness as ministers of 
Christ ; to obtain religious information relative to the 
state of our particular churches, and the general state 
of the Christian Church in this country and through 
the Christian world ; and to co-operate in the most 



70 

eligible measures for building up the cause of truth 
and holiness." Dear brethren, we exhort, we charge 
you, be faithful to your trust ! Endeavoring to keep _ 

the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace ; building f| 

upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, 
Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone ; 
may the Lord our God be with you, as he was with 
the fathers j may he never leave nor forsake you. 
Amen. 



APPEI^DIX 



ACTION OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION SUBSEQUENT TO THE DELIV- 
ERY OF THE FOREGOING DISCOURSE- 



Voted, That the thanks of this body be given to Kev. Dr. Bouton, for 
his able and instructive historical discourse ; and that a copy be requested 
for publication, and the manuscript solicited for preservation in the archives 
of the Association. 

Voted, That Kev. Benjamin P. Stone, d. d., and Kev. Josiah G. Davis, 
be appointed a committee, with the author, to provide for its publication in 
such form as they shall deem expedient. 



In order to make seasonable and ample arrangements for the accommo- 
dation of the General Association, a committee was appointed by the peo- 
ple of Boscawen, on the 17th July, consisting of E. K. Webster, m. d., 
Jonathan Tenney, Esq., and Dea. Amos Webber, with pcfWer to ap- 
point sub-committees, as might be needed. The whole matter of arrang- 
ing and funishing the entertainment for the last day was entrusted to a 
committee of ladies. All the arrangements and accommodations for the 
occasion were complete, and in the highest degree satisfactory, as the fol- 
lowing vote of thanks shows : 

Voted, That the thanks of this body be presented, through the pastor of 
this church, to the people of this place for their generous hospitality ; for 
the tasteful improvement of their house of worship, of which we have 
been the first to enjoy the benefit ; and especially to the ladies for their 
generous collation. 

Voted, That our thanks be presented to the choir for their assistance in 
the religious services of this body. 

Eor farther particulars of proceedings at this Fiftieth Anniversary, ref- 
erence must be had to the published minutes of the Association. 



VALEDICTORY REMARKS 

OP 

KEV. AMBROSE SMITH, Pastor. 

As WE are about to separate, permit me to say a few words in behalf of 
my people. 

The Association have very kindly passed a vote of thanks, which in due 
time will be read to this congregation. But we feel that we have greater 
reason to thank you for appointing this meeting here, and making us such 



72 

an agreeable visit. When it was proposed by the neighboring ministers 
that we should invite the General Association of New-Hampshire to re- 
turn and hold its semi-centennial Anniversary in the place of its first meet- 
ing, fifty years ago, we had many misgivings in regard to our ability to 
entertain, in a suitable manner, so great an assemblage as would be con- 
vened on such an occasion. But we could not refuse the flattering sug- 
gestion, and the hallowed influences to be expected from such ameeting. 

We thank you for coming in such numbers to this retired place in the 
country, only sorry that we had not more room and better preparation to 
receive you. The memory of these pleasant interviews with christian 
friends at our homes, and of sweet communings in the house of God, will 
linger here like the perfume of holy incense in the temple, after the ser- 
vice had ended, and the worshipers were gone. 

We live in a world of parting scenes. Our work in different portions 
of the Master's vineyard is not yet done. 

God be with you, brethren, and bless you, as you return to your families 
and fields of labor, and crown your eftbrts in his service with abundant 
success. We shall follow you with our prayers, and cherish the thought 
that you will continue to pray for us. 

And when the duties and trials of earth are ended, may we all meet 
where life is not measured by years, or centuries, and join the great con- 
gregation on Mount Zion, gathered out of every kindred, and tongue, and 
people, and nation, to review the history of the church in all lands and 
through all generations, finding themes for admiration and praise to oc- 
cupy the bright ages of a blissful eternity. 

May these, our venerable fathers, with those who are absent, and those 
who have gone before, all exchange happy greetings then, when every 
brow is stamped with immortal youth ; and may you have the privilege 
of meeting us, your children and younger brethren there — our work, also, 
well done, and our names recorded in heaven. 

And may none in this congregation fail of being present at that greater, 
better meeting, purified by the washing of regeneration, and clothed in 
the robes of Christ's righteousness, thus prepared to enjoy the communion 
and fellowship of saints above, and unite in the songs of redeeming love 
before the throne of God and the Lord, for ever. 

Then, while our successors may be celebrating the next semi-centennial 
amid the light and joy of millennial day, we shall be in the brighter 
world of eternal glory and blessedness, unless, perhaps, one or two should 
linger still on earth, monuments of the past. 

Let us sing two stanzas of the 337th Select Hymn. 

''Ye are traveling home to God, " Fear not brethren! joy fal stand. 

In the way the fathers trod; On the borders of your land : 

They are happy now, — and ye Jesus Christ — God's only Son, 

Soon their happiness shall see." Bids you undismayed go on J* 



[Keference to page 16.] 
MIJSriSTEES^ ASSOCIATIONS. 

As has been already stated, Ministers' Associations have existed in New- 
Hampshire from an early period of our history. Like other voluntary 
bodies, they have been subject to changes. Some have been dissolved ; 
some divided ; some changed in name. The following table is designed 
to show the names of all the associations that have been connected with 
the General Association ; the time they joined ; and the year they dis- 
appeared from the record. 



Name. Admitted. Ceased. 

Deerfield Association 1809 1856 

Hopkinton " 1809 

Haverhill, North Br. Association 1 1809 1834 

Monadnock Association 1809 

Plymouth " 1809 1834 

Orange " 1809 

Hollis " 1810 

Exeter " 1811 1819 

Union " 1813 

Piscataqua " 1817 

Coos2 '' 1820 1827 

Windsor, K H. Br. Association 3 1823 1829 

Caledonia Association 1827 

Sullivan " 1829 

Tamworth4 " 1829 1834 

Derry " 1834 

Harmony5 << 1834 

Lancaster 6 " 1835 

Belknap7 '' 1841 

Manchester 8 '< 1846 

Suncook9 " 1856 



1 Changed to Derry Association. 

2 Changed to Caledonia in 1827. 

3 This Association comprised ministers in Vermont and New-Hamp- 
shire. In the latter were the ministers in Lebanon, Plainfield, Mer. P., 
Cornish, Claremont and Newport. Changed to Sullivan Association 
1829. 

4 This included Conway, Meredith and Center-Harbor, Moultonbor- 
ough, Ossipee, Sandwich and Tamworth. 

5 Plymouth and Tamworth Associations united in Harmony Associa- 
tion. 

6 Included ministers in Coos county — the Caledonia Association being 
divided. 

7 Included ministers in the new county of Belknap. 

8 Ministers in vicinity of Manchester. 

9 Name of Deerfield changed to Suncook Association. 



74 



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[Reference to page 28.] 

In the Congregational and Presbyterian churches of New-Hampshire, 
there have always heen men of distinguished position, learning and in- 
fluence, in the social and public walks of life. The names above given, 
p. 28, are among the most eminent and useful men of the State, Although 
of former generations, they are still held in honored remembrance. Pre- 
eminent among these are the late Chief Justice Timothy Tarrar, of New- 
Ipswich, who attained the patriarchal age of 101 years ; Hon. Thomas 
W. Thompson, of Concord, speaker of the House of Eepresentatives, and 
member of Congress ; and Hon. Daniel Webstek. It is well known 
that Mr. Webster fitted for college, in part, with the late Kev. Dr. Wood, 
of Boscawen, and commenced the practice of law in that town. He first 
united with the Congregational church in Salisbury, his native place, un- 
der the ministry of Rev. Thomas Worcester, September 13, 1807. This 
was before Mr. Worcester adopted the views of his brother, Noah Wor- 
cester, respecting the sonship of Christ. 

It is interesting at any time to know the views of scriptural doctrine 
entertained by men of distinguished talents ; and especially to know the 
reasons which satisfy them of the truth. About the time of the delivery 
of this discourse, the original " Confession of Paith," drawn up for his 
own use, by the late Hon. Daniel Webster, was brought to light. It was 
found among papers left by the late widow of the Rev. Mr. Worcester, who 
deceased July 24, 1859, aged 87. It is in the well known hand-writing of 
Mr. Webster, folded in letter form, superscribed " Rev. Thomas Worces- 
ter, Salisbury." This identical original letter, with the Confession of 
Paith, is now in possessioil of the writer, and open before me. I present 
it exactly as written. Prom this " Confession of Paith" it is believed Mr. 
Webster never deviated at any subsequent period of life, l 

[LETTER.] 

Boscawen, August 8, 1807. 
Dear Sir — 

The other day we were conversing respecting confessions of 
faith. Sometime ago, I wrote down, for my own use, a few propo- 
sitions in the shape of articles, intending to exhibit a very short 
summary of the doctrines of the Christian Religion, as they impress 
my mind. I have taken the liberty to inclose a copy for your perusal. 
I am, sir, with respect, 

Yours, i&c, D. WEBSTER. 



1 This interesting document was obtained by George W. Smith, m. d., of 
Concord, a member of the New-Hampshire Historical Society. It was 
first published in the Congregational Journal, September 8, 1859. 



77 

[CONFESSION OF FAITH.] 

I BELIEVE in the existence of Almighty God, who created and gov- 
erns the whole world. I am taught this by the works of nature 
and the word of Revelation. 

I BELIEVE that God exists in three persons : this I learn from Rev- 
elation alone. Nor is it any objection to this belief, that I can 
not comprehend how one can be three, or three, one. I hold it 
my duty to believe, not what I can comprehend, o^ account for, 
" but what my Maker teaches me. 

I BELIEVE the Scriptures of the old and new Testaments to be the 
will and word of God. 

I BELIEVE Jesus Christ to be the Son of God. The miracles which 
he wrought establish, in my mind, his personal authority, and 
render it proper for me to believe whatever he asserts. I believe, 
therefore, all his declarations, as well when he declares him- 
self to be the Son of God, as when he declares any other propo- 
sition. x\nd I believe there is no other way of salvation, than 
through the merits of his atonement. 

I BELIEVE that things past, present and to come, are all equally 
present in the mind of Deity ; that with him there is no succes- 
sion of time, nor of ideas ; that, therefore, the relative terms 
past, present and future, as used among men, can not, with strict 
propriety, be applied to Deity. I believe in the doctrines of fore- 
knowledge and predestination, as thus expounded. I do not be- 
lieve in those doctrines, as imposing any fatality or necessity on 
men's actions, or any way infringing free agency. 

I BELIEVE in the utter inability of any human being to work out 
his own salvation, without the constant aids of the Spirit of all 
grace. 

I BELIEVE in those great peculiarities of the Christian Religion, a 
Resurrection from the dead, and a day of Judgment. 

I BELIEVE in the universal Providence of God ; and leave to Epicu- 
rus, and his more unreasonable followers in modern times, the 
inconsistency of believing that God made a world, which he 
does not take the trouble of governing.* 

*Dr. Sherlock. 



78 

Although I have great respect for some other forms of worship, I 
believe the Congregational mode, on the whole, preferable to 
any other. 

I BELIEVE Religion to be a matter, not of demonstration, but of faith. 
God requires us to give credit to the truths which he reveals, 
not because we can prove them, but because He declares them. 
When the mind is reasonably convinced that the Bible is the 
word of God, the only remaining duty is to receive its doctrines, 
with full confidence of their truth, and practice them, with a 
pure heart. 

I BELIEVE that the Bible is to be understood and received, in the 
plain and obvious meaning of its passage.^ ; since I can not per- 
suade myself, that a Book intended for the instruction and con- 
version of the whole world, should cover its true meaning, in 
any such mystery, and doubt, that none but critics and philoso- 
phers can discover it. 

I BELIEVE that the refinements and subtleties of human wisdom, 
are more likely to obscure, than to enlighten the revealed will 
of God ; and that he is the most accomplished Christian Scholar, 
who hath been educated at the feet of Jesus and in the College 
of Fishermen. 

I BELIEVE that all true Religion consists in the heart, and the affec- 
tions ; and that therefore all creeds and confessions, are fallible 
and uncertain evidencies of evangelical piety. 

Finally, I believe that Christ has imposed on all his disciples, a life 
©f active benevolence; that he, who refrains only from what he 
thinks to be sinful, has performed but a part, and a small part of 
his duty ; that he is bound to do good and communicate ; to love 
his neighbor ; to give food and drink to his enemy ; and to en- 
deavor, as far as in him lies, to promote peace, truth, piety and 
happiness, in a wicked and forlorn world ; believing, that in the 
great day, which is to come, there will be no other standard of 
merit, no other criterion of character, than that which is already 
established — Bi/ their fruits ye shall know them. 



NAMES OF PASTOES 

DECEASED OE EETIEED FEOM ACTIVE SEEVICE, CONNECTED WITH THE 

GENEEAL ASSOCIATION OF NEW-HAMPSHIEE, AND SETTLED OVEE 

THE SAME CHUECH, THIETY YEAES OE MOEE. 



NAME. 


PLACE. 


DECEASED. 


OEEICE 


AGE. 




Lebanon 


August,.... 1817 
November, ] 836 
March 25, ..1817 

April 3, 1812 

Dec. 24, 1836 

Nov. 20,.. ..1831 

Feb. 26, 1820 

March 17,. .1858 
March 9,. ..1818 
March 7,. ..1844 

May 17, 1835 

March 22, ..1831 
March 17, ..1845 

Dec. 25, 1843 

1843 

June 10,. ..1843 
Jan. 14,. ...1838 

May 20 1854 

March 1,...1851 

Dec. 24, 1831 

Feb. 13, 1837 

Nov. 23,. ..1846 

Sept. 1, 1824 

May 12, 1847 

Feb. 25, 1859 

June 12,.. ..1840 

Oct. 25, 1855 

Dec. 13, 1866 

Living 


45 

58 

43 

36 

55 

49 

371 

75^ 

35 

60 

50 

44 

56 

41 

39 

38 

37 

63J 

36 

32 

45 

44 

31 

37 

47 

37 

43 

50 

33 

51 

40 

55 

33 

38 

39 

42 

42 8m 

45 

40 

39 


71 


Nathaniel Porter, d. d 


Conway 

Gilmanton 


92 

72 


Elihu Thayer, t>. d 


65 


Samuel Wood, d. d. 1 


Boscawen 


84 


Noah Miles 


Temple 


80 


Seth Payson, d. d 


Rindge 


62 
100 


William Morrison, d. d... 
Huntinsrton Porter 


Londonderry.... 

Rye 


70 
89 




Wakefield 

Lempster 

Croydon 


78 


Elias Fisher3 


82 


Jacob Haven4 


82 


Walter Harris, d. t> 


Dunbarton 

Alstead, East 

Exeter 


82 






William F. Eowland 


82 


Mosc^ Bradford 


Francestown 

Mason 


73 


Ebenezer Hill 5 


88 




Chichester 

Salisbury 

Tam worth 

Hampstead 

Marlborough. ... 
Hollis 


89 


Thomas W^orcester 


63 


Samuel Hidden 


77 


John Kelley 


85 


Halloway Fish 

Eli Smith 


65 
88 


Gad Newell 


Nelson 


95 


John H. Church, D. d 


Pelham 


68 




North wood 

North-Hampton 
Milford 


83 


Jonathan French, d. d.... 
Humphrey Moore, d. d.... 
Isaac Robinson, d. d 


78 
81 


Stoddard 


July 9,... 


..1854 


75 


William Patrick 


Canterbury 

Barnstead 

Boscawen, West. 

Fitz William 

Bath 

New-Boston 

Sanbornton 

Pembroke 


86 


Enos George6 

Ebenezer Price 


Livino" 


79 


Living....- 


88 


John Sabin 


Oct. 14,.. 
July 25,.. 
Dec. 15,.. 
Living... 


..1845 

..1855 
...1845 


75J 
75 




Ephraim P. Bradford 

Abraham Bodwell 


69 

82 


Abraham Burnham, d. d 


Sept. 21,. 
Sept. 27,. 
July 14,. 
Oct. 4 


..1852 
..1856 
..1850 
...1856 


7610m 


John M. Whiton, t>. d 




72 


Edward L. Parker 


Derry 

Exeter . . . 


66 ' 


Isaac Hurd d. d ... 


70 









1 Had one colleague. 

2 Had two colleagues. 

3 Had one colleague. 

4 Had one colleague. 

5 Had three colleagues. 

6 Still in office, but is aided by occasional or stated supplies. 

Note. There are others still in the active duties of the pastoral office, 
more than thirty years, whose names may be seen in the Annual Minutes 
of the General Association, in their respective associations. 









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